Cosmopolitan articles from January 2009

Cosmopolitan archives from January 2009

Cosmo extras.(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Can't get enough of your favorite magazine? Here's the scoop on everything really cool going on in Cosmoworld. Enter to Win $10,000 * Tough economy putting your finances on lockdown? Good news: We're giving away 10,000 smackers! Enter...

Behind the scenes at Cosmopolitan.(from the editor)
January 1, 2009... Hot-Guy 411 The temperature in Cosmo's office rose a few degrees when our 2008 Bachelors flew into New York City to celebrate their inclusion in our November issue. And it was hard for Cosmo staffers not to be distracted by having cute...

Lame-guy alert!(from the editor)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Our article on page 95 has cheap date ideas, but there's being creative and then there's being a tightwad. Readers share their stingy-guy stories. "I met my then-boyfriend for a drink, and when I offered to split the check, he said, 'Don't...

... Go glam at night.(Why Don't You ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ever notice how Blair and Serena on Gossip Girl have the most fab bedwear? Rip off their moves, and upgrade your flannel for silky pj's. "Just having the sensual fabric on your skin will make you feel confident,"...

... Ditch your diet.(Why Don't You ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Right about now, you feel compelled to rein it in after the holidays. But thank God, diet is the new four-letter word. The latest research shows that people actually eat more when they restrict cravings and substitute 100-calorie packs for the...

... Get over a bitch.(Why Don't You ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... New year, new way to deal with nasty people. Recent research shows that dwelling on a difficult social event causes more stress than recalling physical pain does. From now on, let it go. You'll win out in the end. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

... Say these magic words.(Why Don't You ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's cliched, but January is a time of assessment, and guys can be self-critical now. So toss him a compliment about his kick-ass personality. It's more important to men to be respected than to be seen as a stud,...

... Finally snag your Kate and Leo fix.(Why Don't You ...)(Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio )(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's been way too long since we've seen Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio locking lips on the big screen--the duo was last spotted breaking our hearts somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic. In fact, a decade has...

Hot sheet: 6 things being buzzed about right now.(COSMO NEWS)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] (1) CHEATING DURING A CRISIS A bad economy may make men more likely to stray, experts say, and downturns can be a boon for prostitutes. A bigger shock: Forty percent of sex transactions don't involve a "service,"...

Amanda Bynes brings it on: Amanda Bynes is mostly known for her teen comedies. But now that she has developed a fashion line and is pursuing serious roles, it's clear she's all grown up. Further proof: the cover of this magazine.(COSMO NEWS: Interview)(Interview)(Cover story)
January 1, 2009... Amanda Bynes often feels like she doesn't completely fit in. "Part of me relates to Perez Hilton because he's an outcast," she says of her celebrity blogger friend. (The two often grab frozen yogurt and talk movies.) "I don't have a lot of...

When your bond hits a speed bump: no relationship is perpetually blissful. What's important is knowing how to recover when your twosome veers off course.(COSMO NEWS: Relationships)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's a fallacy to think that a good relationship should be smooth sailing all the time. "Rough spots are a normal part of the dating cycle, and they don't mean you're doomed as a couple," says psychotherapist Ann...

Short vs. shorter.(COSMO NEWS: Beauty Stakeout)(Survey)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Which of two cropped cuts looks better on these gorgeous celebrities? Cosmo asked 100 people on the street. HILARY SWANK [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SHORT 69% SHORTER 31% SELMA BLAIR [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Tied up... or not.(COSMO NEWS: Beauty Stakeout)(survey)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Cosmo asked 100 women whether they prefer these sexy Hollywood men all buttoned up or letting loose. JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TIED 43% LETTING LOOSE 57% DANIEL CRAIG ...

Sexy vs. skanky.(COSMO NEWS)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... SMOOCHING YOUR BF James Rousseau and Kate Bosworth [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SMOOCHING YOUR DOG Aubrey O'Day [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SEXY SKANKY Celebrities to Celebrities who need...

Confessions: Cosmo readers share their most shocking stories and steamiest secrets.
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Feeling Flushed "The women's bathroom in my office is located in a busy corridor. One day, after doing my business, I went to open the stall door, and it wouldn't budge. It was clear the lock was broken. Another...

Guy confessions: men admit to their dirtiest deeds and most shameless scams ever.
January 1, 2009... Nude and Rude "When I got home one evening, I saw my roommate out in the backyard hitting golf balls. I went into the kitchen and rummaged around for something to eat. Then I heard a knock on the front door. I thought it was weird that he...

The man report: guys' heads are hard to crack. So Cosmo editor Ky Henderson offers some insight into his baffling gender.(MAN MANUAL)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE CHECKLIST Is his female friend a threat to you? For every yes you check, there's a greater chance his platonic buddy may evolve into a very different kind of buddy. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] YES...

What his shower style reveals: guys' bathing habits really do run the gamut--and they can shed light on naked truths. Find out what his washing MO says about the kind of boyfriend and lover he'll be.(MAN MANUAL)
January 1, 2009... He's a Wash-and-Go Kind of Guy Men who take quickies are practical and reliable--they look at showering as a basic necessity to be banged out first thing in the morning. "This guy takes care of business," says New York City psychologist...

Weird signs he's into you: in the early stages of dating, guys often send mixed messages. Here, clear clues that he's hooked.(guy spy)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * He won't make a move. You look damn hot, so what gives? Chances are, his nerves are to blame. Even if you've already kissed, taking things further is intimidating. He wants to wow you and is afraid that if he...

"Why do men refuse to plan ahead?".(the stuff he won't reveal)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] He may be staying noncommittal in case something (or someone) better comes along. "Guys use passive-aggressive tactics to buy themselves time to check out other options," says Carl Alasko, PhD, author of Emotional...

Read between his lines.(guy spy)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HE SAYS: "I', sorry you feel that way." HE MEANS: "I really don't think I did anything wrong." SOURCE: JOHN VAN EPP, PHD, AUTHOR OF HOW TO AVOID FALLING IN LOVE WITH A JERK

Surprising things that turn him off: these common methods of attracting men actually end up driving them away.(his point of view)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Without realizing it, you constantly do things that men find sexy and adorable: The way you hop around the room when you pull tight jeans over your butt. Biting your lip while thinking. Bending over to... well, to...

"What's always hot.".(guys speak out)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "When a girl is confident enough to avoid being threatened by other girls. Not being catty shows that she's sure of herself and of our relationship." --Kurt Reinhold [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I'm a big fan of...

Win her over every day.(cosmo for your guy)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * You've endured enough chick flicks to know that women need a little tenderness now and then. But you don't have to fly her to Paris for dinner atop the Eiffel Tower. Instead, try out these painless techniques to...

She wants to cuddle after sex.(Myth of the Month)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "He's so heavy when he's on top of me, and sometimes he's really sweaty too. I can't wait to move away from him because I get too hot if we're right next to each other." --Molly 31 "I definitely need my own...

How I got him to ...(MAN MANUAL)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ... quit talking to me in a baby voice "Although I love that my man is superaffectionate, he'd often speak to me in an annoying baby voice. I didn't mind it so much when we were alone together, but if we were out...

7 boyfriend looks to borrow: rock these sexy guy styles (no walk of shame required).(Fun Fearless Fashion)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 Plaid Scarf Madewell, $49.50, madewell1937.com 2 Navy Blue Blazer Brooks Brothers, $228, brooksbrothers.com 3 Boyfriend Jeans American Eagle Outfitters, $39.50, ae.com 4 Oversize Gold Watch Timex, $75,...

Find your date style.(Fun Fearless Fashion)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Take this quiz to identify your romantic vibe... and then check out the evening ensembles perfectly suited for your type. If your ideal date is... * Going out dancing * Drinking champagne at a lounge * Having dinner at a...

Get sexy cleavage.(Fun Fearless Fashion)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Choosing the proper dress shape can visually enhance your assets. Learn how by comparing these six celebs' hits... and misses. RIGHT Lauren Conrad [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WRONG This top is too revealing, and the wide...

Cashmere for under $100: soft sweaters and accessories that aren't hard on your wallet.(Fun Fearless Fashion)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Lands' End, $35.50, landsend.com [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] American Eagle Outfitters, $89.50, ae.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] United Colors of Benetton, $80, 800-535-4491 Club Monaco, $99, club monaco.com, Glam Cashmere,...

Steep or cheap?(Fun Fearless Fashion)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... The items on this page look pricey, one per pair is a major bargain. See if you can guess the deals, then find the correct answer below. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 Metallic Dresses () A () B 2 Tie-Dye Denim () A ...

The new "no makeup" makeup.(CELEB LOOK)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lightening up your makeup is the secret to scoring the hottest new look Go easy on foundation and eye shadow, which can appear overdone for day. Dab concealer on spots, rim lids with charcoal liner, swipe on mascara,...

Why do your lips keep drying out? Chapped lips are the worst. Find out what's causing your pucker to flake and how to fix it.(Beauty News: The hot trends, tips, and stuff you've gotta try this month)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [check] Are you exfoliating your lips with your face scrub? You might think sloughing off dry skin helps, but it actually breaks down the barrier needed to lock in moisture. [check] Do you use the right lip balm? Choose one that's...

We asked 100 guys on the street ...(Your sweet spot is ...)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "What's your favorite place to smell scent: her hair, neck, or lips?" 59% said neck, 34% said hair, and 7% said lips.

Do this, not that.(Beauty News: The hot trends, tips, and stuff you've gotta try this month)(how to use eyeliner)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Eyeliner is hot, but if you do it wrong, it can look like a hot mess. Get a straight line by drawing short dashes along your upper lash line (a), then smudging them together (b). You'll get defined eyes, even with a wobbly hand. ...

Cosmo hair.(how to take care hair damages due to styling)
January 1, 2009... Harmful Hair Moves Calculate the damage you're racking up with your styling routine. 2 points Blow-drying Daily REMEDY: Hold your blow-dryer points nozzle at least 3 inches away so hair doesn't get too hot. 3 points ...

The most popular beauty picks: these favorites flew off the shelves in 2008, and we're sure they'll be just as craved for 2009. Here's why they're so amazing.(Beauty Loot)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Top Tress Tamer This shampoo defrizzes curls with a nourishing formula, and at this price, you can grab an extra for your gym locker. Pantene Pro-V Smooth Shampoo, $3.99. In-Demand Polish This...

How to do a facial at home: dull winter skin is a drag. Make your face dewy again with simple spa tricks--all you need is about 15 minutes.(Beauty Cheat Sheet)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... The Pro Kate Somerville, facialist to stars like Kristen Bell The Prep Wash your face with your regular cleanser to remove makeup and dirt, then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. 1 Soak a washcloth in very warm water, and...

Beauty Q&A: every month, we answer a bunch of your burning beauty questions.
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q My skin is dry in some spots and oily in others! What's the best moisturizer? A "You can solve both issues by using a gel cream all over," says New York dermatologist Sapna Westley. The texture is light, but...

Blemish-proof your skin: there's a new approach to tackling acne, and it's not only about good habits. It's also about which age box you check off. Read on for the latest ways to fix your flare-ups fast.(COSMO BEAUTY BOOK)
January 1, 2009... Acne is always a pain, but it seems to be even more so in your 20s and 30s--when you think you should have outgrown it. It can be tackled, but you need to understand that the causes are different. In your 20s, outbreaks are mainly related to...

Sarah Jane Morris.(Celeb Spotlight: fun fearless female)(Interview)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Sarah Jane Morris is taking Hollywood by storm: She plays a sometimes-faithful wife on ABC's Brothers and Sisters, and she's in a new movie opposite Will Smith. Here, the sweet Southern belle shares her candid...

PDA he'll actually be into: there are ways to show your man some love in public without crossing into touchy-feely territory. These sweet-but-subtle moves are guy-approved.(Romance Booster)(public display of affection)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PLAY WITH HIS HAIR While sitting next to each other at the movies or at dinner with friends, gently graze his hair with your fingers or scratch the back of his head. Hair touching is a very intimate gesture, and...

"He spends money he doesn't have.".(Spat of the Month)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Calmly explain that it stresses you out to see him reek up hills you know he can't pay off, "Don't be accusatory; acknowledge that he deserves to treat himself but also remind him of the permanent damage he could he doing to his credit rating,"...

Give his day a sexy start.(Blow-His Mind Tip)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... The morning after a steamy night with your guy, dial his cell when he probably won't be able to pick up, like while he's at work, Leave a message just saying hi, then add "Oh, by the way, last night was awesome. I can't stop thinking about it."...

The 7 sensations he enjoys most: men's sensual desires can be surprisingly complex and multilayered, so we've compiled these all new, all hot touches that are sure to send his arousal level and your sack skills--through the roof.(Inside His Pants)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Touching a man near his package in any way--with your hand, with your mouth, with your grocery cart at the store is usually good enough to rev his engine. But "good enough" isn't always good enough. Like you, guys...

Fascinating facts about men: every year, a ton of research is done on some of our favorite topics: guys, love, and sex. We culled a sampling of intriguing tidbits that should be on your radar.(A Cosmo Crash Course)
January 1, 2009... Men never fail to confound us, which means we'll lever give. up trying to figure out things like what makes dudes fall in love, how they get turned on, and why they say what they say and do what they do. Luckily, experts are also on the case,...

The Cosmo climax clinic: every woman has the ability to experience an orgasm each time she gets busy. But let's admit it: Sometimes O Town is tough to reach. Here, a guide to achieving ultimate pleasure.(Love & Lust)
January 1, 2009... Here at Cosmo, we're flooded with reader e-mails asking us about orgasms. The concerns we see most: why it's so difficult for a woman to climax and what's going on when an O won't happen at all. So we felt it was time to put tiffs...

5 traits a guy should have before you get serious: definitive research sheds light on the qualities that really matter in a dude when you're thinking long-term love.(Love & Lust)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You get butterflies when you see him, your heart pounds if he calls, and kissing him literally causes goose bumps. With chemistry this amazing, you'd figure you're destined to be together. As it tunas out, not...

Are you crazy enough in bed? It's true: guys are wowed by chicks who get a little wild in the sack. But there are limits to how off-the-wall they want you to be.(Love & Lust)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You've probably heard male friends sing the praises of girls who are "crazy in bed." But there's such a thing as good wild (he sees your uninhibited side) and bad wild (he has to see a chiropractor or shrink 'after...

How to deal with a moody man: even good guys can be testy, but that's no consolation. Resist killing him and follow this advice.(Love & Lust)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's women who have the rep for being the moody sex, but in reality, experts say, guys also have big swings. "Men act differently than women do in a funk, so it's not always obvious what's going on," says Darlene...

10 amazing almost-free dates: the economy may be in the gutter (tired of hearing that yet?), but you don't have to sit home and stare at each other ... or worse, at the TV. Grab your guy, and try these fun, inexpensive activities.(Love & Lust)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1. Pull a recipe from a famous restaurant off the Web--try copykat.com or recipegold mine.com--and make your own version of a five-star meal together. 2. Have him over for game night. Mad Gab, Uno, and Twister...

Ask him anything: advice from our guy guru, Jonathan Small.(Love & Lust)
January 1, 2009... Q My guy is always the one who initiates sex, and he's starting to think I'm not attracted to him. But I'm just shy. How can I signal that I want to do it without doing something embarrassing? A When you make a habit of having sex without...

The Cosmo couple quiz: discover a new way to connect with each other by taking our dominant-sense test.(Love & Lust)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pick the response that best describes yourself, and mark the appropriate box. Then have your guy fill in his answers. How you both respond reveals which sense you rely on most. Armed with that insight, you'll better...

"A child's liver saved my life". twenty-four years after receiving an organ transplant, Trine Engebretsen met the family who made a selfless decision in the midst of awesome grief.(THE COSMO POST)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] By the time I turned 2. I had almost bled to death five times. It was gastric bleeding, accompanied by a severely distended abdomen and terrible jaundice--even the whites of my eyes were a deep yellow. Doctors were...

Her dad is imprisoned in the Middle East: after her father was given a life sentence for spying, Margaret Downs, 20, began fighting for his freedom.(THE COSMO POST)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When Margaret Downs was 8 years old, her family moved 8,000 miles away from her home in Houston, Texas, to the Middle Eastern country of Qatar. Her dad, John, had been offered an oil-industry job working for the...

Real-life reads.
January 1, 2009... "That chick went to my high school, and she had the worst rep. She did every guy." "Wow. Well, it really looks like it's... ruined... her... um, life." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Revenge of the "sluts": as teenagers, these women were tagged with the dreaded S word by their mean-girl classmates. But being an outcast made them more driven to succeed. If only their tormentors could see them now.(Real-Life Reads)
January 1, 2009... Few words hold the kind of power over women the way slut does. Once loosely used as a synonym for prostitute, the term became an insult implying that a chick slept around... and therefore was dirty and unworthy. "Our culture frowns upon...

Shameless money-saving trick.(You You You: Your Fabulous Life)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It'd be nice to buy fresh blooms every week, but anyone whose mantra is "budget" doesn't want to splurge on something that just ends up dying. That's where fake flowers come in--they are cheap and last forever....

The single girl's Bible.(You You You)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Have a Blast on New Year's Without a Date * Choose the right group to celebrate with. If you have friends who act really exclusive with their significant other (think tons of PDA), don't hang with them. *...

The new life rules to follow now: these truisms of today allow you the power and flexibility to get what you want, how you want.(You You You)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Here's the problem with conventional wisdom: You're not conventional, and neither are the situations you're facing these days. So Cosmo collected a set of modern guidelines perfect for a brazen 21st-century babe like...

Play it smart in tough times: you don't need us to tell you that the world's been turned upside down over the past few months. What you do need: a plan for protecting your money, health, and love life. Don't worry--Cosmo's got you covered.(You You You)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] During turbulent periods, it's easy to feel like you have zero control over your future. That's why we've created this crib sheet of info that will help you navigate several arenas of your life through stressful...

When stress keeps you up at night: your brain won't shut down, your body won't relax--overall, you feel wired. Sleep is the last thing you're going to accomplish in this state. If it happens once or twice, no big deal. But all the time? We're here to help.(You You You)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's annoying enough to be kept awake by a music-blaring neighbor, but when it's you who is sabotaging your own opportunity for rest, it really makes a girl want to scream... and cry from exhaustion. ...

Bitch it out! When rude, obnoxious, or just plain ludicrous situations work your last nerve, there's only one thing to do: Vent here!(You You You)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pet Peeve "I get that you love your dog, but please don't bring it inside a clothing store if you don't have a carrier. Who are you, Paris Hilton? It's unsanitary... not to mention annoying."--Kenya, 18 ...

The stories they wish we'd do: here are the kinds of crazy articles you'd have to look forward to if men were allowed to take the reins at your favorite magazine.(TOTALLY COSMO: If Guys Edited Cosmo)(Brief article)(List)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 200 Talks You Don't Need to Have With Your Man Girl Without Her Shirt... or Anything Else On Will Subtitled Films Make You Go Blind? (Answer: Oui) The Lifelong Health Implications of Wearing Wedge Heels...

"I married a cute girl": what's the biggest difference between a straight couple and a fun, fearless female couple who decide they want to spend the rest of their lives with each other? The chicks both get engagement rings.(TOTALLY COSMO)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Reality-television producers Jennifer Duncan, 36, and Stacey Book, 28, met three years ago while working on CBS's The Amazing Race: Family Edition. Neither knew the other was gay, but they each felt an immediate...

More juicy bachelor news! In the November issue, you met Cosmo's 2008 Bachelors. Now we're bringing you the behind-the-scenes scoop from the NYC bash we threw to celebrate them. It must be said: Our jobs so don't suck!(Cosmo Bachelors 2008)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Absolutely fabulous: Kyle Rudduck of Illinois, Jess Peterson of Montana, and Corey Caldwell of North Carolina walk the runway; Cosmo Editor-in- Chief Kate White poses with the guys. It's a tough job, but somebody's...

Mortifying stories of parents who overshare: bonding with the 'rents is great, but these outrageous tales prove that friendly chats with Mom and Dad can quickly turn into horrifying instances of TMI.(TOTALLY COSMO)(too much information)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Butt Out "My dad is superconservative and boring, but one day, he had a few beers and started telling me about his crazy college days. He had been really into his fraternity and told me in gory detail about how,...

Can celebs get even more attractive?(TOTALLY COSMO)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Computer scientist Tommer Leyvand and three colleagues at Tel Aviv University created a program to morph a facial image into a theoretically more beautiful version--i.e., one that has specific distances between features, which poll respondents...

Sexy new you.(Fashion and Beauty Now)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Cosmo girls love a good dare, so we are offering one up: Push your style boundaries with these au courant dressing principles. They're a little unconventional, but then, so are you. DARE TO WEAR... a printed blouse and a printed bag...

What lies beneath: lingerie serves two important functions: It tempts your man and gives you a seductive rush. When you reveal these sexy underthings, he'll likely blurt out his desires. But you're under no obligation to share what's on your naughty mind.(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... SECRET THOUGHT He has no idea what he's in for tonight. Dress, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti; necklace, De Beers; bracelets (from top), Alyssa Norton; Tacori (worn throughout) SECRET THOUGHT I promised to pack light, so I...

What guys really notice about your looks: certain aspects of your appearance might drive you crazy, but trust us, men aren't paying attention. Read on for the surprising news.
January 1, 2009... When you have an annoying breakout on your chin or you've forgotten to touch up your roots, you might think it's all your guy is looking at. Well, relax. "Most men aren't picking up on the things we assume they're staring at," says renowned...

Beauty blunders that left him speechless: men recall the mishaps that were so obvious, they'd have to have been blind not to see them.(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... "When my girlfriend lightened her eyebrows, they turned orange. It was hard to keep a straight face when looked at her."--Jeff, 29 "A girl who I'm dating wore her hair in some kind of ponytail that looked like it belonged on a...

Flipped out.(hair care)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... GET THE LOOK "Switch up last year's polished curls by keeping the top half of strands smooth but the bottom messy," says stylist Oscar Blandi. Use a large round brush to do a sleek blow-dry from your roots to your chin. Spritz a...

Hot new styles for long hair: kick off 2009 with a flesh hairstyle. Who better than Friday Night Lights star Minka Kelly and celeb stylist Oscar Blandi to show you what s going to be gorgeous in the coming months? The best part: Each look is a fast update of what you already know how to do.(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Do It Sideways GET THE LOOK "The key to giving your bun a boost is pushing it over to one side," says Blandi. Exaggerate the effect by doing a deep side-part. Comb a straightening balm into damp hair, then gather it into a low ponytail...

Excuse to couch cuddle with him.(cosmo weekend: What to Do)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Fight the Sunday night blues by getting lost... literally. Season five of Lost is about to start, so pick up season four (now available on DVD) and invite your guy over for some quality TV time. Establishing this little ritual is the perfect...

Research shows ...(cosmo weekend: What to Do)(credit card use)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... People tend to spend more when they make purchases with a debit or credit card, so stick to cash on days off. You'll better enjoy the weekend since you won't be stressing over money matters.

Get sucked into an easy read.(cosmo weekend: What to Do)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Young-adult books like the Harry Potter and Twilight series aren't popular with just teens. People of all ages get hooked because they're the perfect R & R reads for your free time. Spend Saturday afternoon with a...

Funky class alert.(cosmo weekend: What to Do)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... After the holidays, you're itching to get off your ass. But the gyms are packed, thanks to everyone's New Year's resolutions. Instead of wasting 45 minutes in line for a treadmill, find a new break-dancing class. Now more widely available at...

Meet up late.(Hot Night Together)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Partying with your posse on Saturday while your boyfriend goes out with his buddies doesn't mean you have to sacrifice spending quality time with him. Do your own thing early in the evening. Just make a plan to meet...

Fun, fearless way to meet a guy.(You and Him)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... When you see a cute guy, slip one of your earrings into your bag, go stand near him, and after a moment, grab your ear and look down at the ground. Exclaim that you lost an earring, and ask him to help search for it. There's no quicker way to...

Tap in to your guy's weekend brain.(You and Him)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Date-night moves that wow him [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Turn Off Your Cell He'll be psyched to have you all to himself. Compliment His Choices Praising his wine or movie recommendation gives him an ego boost. ...

His pet peeve.(You and Him)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "She dresses in skimpy outfits when it's cold out and then borrows my jacket, so I end up freezing."--Chris, 31

Sparkling winter cocktails: it's the perfect time for a fancy, fizzy sip, and we're not just talking champagne, Check out these creative bubbly drinks from the country's top bars.(cosmo weekend: living)(Recipe)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dancing With the Devil 1 1/2 oz. tequila 1/2 oz. Chambord 1/2 oz. fresh-squeezed lime juice Splash of ginger beer Crystallized ginger or lime wedge Pour tequila, Chambord, and lime juice into...

A meal that will mesmerize him: these dishes from our new food columnist, Katie Lee Joel, are guaranteed to impress a guy. Best of all, he'll never suspect how easy they are to pull off.(cosmo weekend: eat this up)(Recipe)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Here's my rule: When cooking for a man, treat all of his senses. Enchant him with the aromas of home cooking, tantalize his taste buds with full-bodied flavors, and surprise him with different textures. The meal I've...