Cosmopolitan articles from July 2006

Cosmopolitan archives from July 2006

Everything Cosmo: get in the know.... Here, you'll find the latest scoop on everything really cool going on in Cosmoworld.
July 1, 2006... COSMO RADIO ON SIRIUS Summer lovin' has never been easier (and hotter) now that Cosmo Radio has hit channel 111. You'll hear... Bedside astro. Is cupid on your side today? Will your boss behave like a she-devil? We'll tell you what...

Male reading.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... "I'm so glad Cosmo had the article '6 Kinda Strange Boyfriend Behaviors.' I think every woman experiences these situations, and it's wonderful finally to understand why the changes occur."--Brenda Chavez, El Paso, Tex.

Moore on Mandy.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... "Thank you for putting Mandy Moore on the May cover. She is absolutely gorgeous and so down-to-earth. I loved reading the article about her, and she sounds like such a sweet person. The Hollywood thing hasn't gone to her head, and it's nice to...

Lifesaving read.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... "Thank you so much for the 'Healthy Skin Handbook.' I have been frying myself at the beach and in tanning beds for years and never really thought twice about it. After reading the article, I've quit going to the tanning bed, and I lather up...

Kudohs for Cosmo.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... "Your article 'Orgasms Unlimited' totally changed my life! I've always found it difficult to orgasm during sex, but your advice (especially the tip about focusing on the moment and not pysching myself out) helped me achieve the best one of my...

Hero worship.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... "I thought 'A Life Less Ordinary' was so heartfelt and inspiring. It's amazing that there are people out there who are willing to do whatever it takes to get their lives back on track. It takes a lot of courage and heart to bounce back like...

Foxy fix-ups.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... "I really liked 'Make the Hot Looks Hotter' because it gave high-fashion trends a more casual and less-expensive twist. I always enjoy anything that has the latest beauty and fashion tips; that's why I buy Cosmo. Where else would I learn these...

Fated love?(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... "The article 'Can You Make Love Happen? was so interesting because I think you guys did a really good job of encouraging me to put myself in the path of a guy I like. But you also pointed out how not to take things too far (which I've seen some...

Split decision.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... RANT "Some tips in 'Single-Girl Things to Do Before You Marry' were off the mark. It basically warns single women to have fun because once you get married, you can kiss your freedom good-bye. That's not true. You can still let your wild...

Guy test-drive: one man mouths off about May issue of Cosmo.(YOU TELL US)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2006... "The snarky 'Cosmo Commandments' (10 Disastrous Ways to Get His Friends to Like You!) were hilarious, except kicking ass in poker would make his friends like you more, 'His Biggest Turn-Offs' was correct about not touching a guy's remote...

Staffers share their pickup tips.(FROM THE EDITOR)
July 1, 2006... Our article on page 120 will help you land a man in 30 days or less. Here, Cosmo girls tell how they've snagged guys: "I met my boyfriend at work. After checking him out for weeks, I turned to him in the elevator one Friday night and asked...

Dinner with Mandy Moore.(Behind the Scenes at Cosmopolitan)
July 1, 2006... To celebrate her recent Cosmo cover, we hosted a dinner party for Mandy Moore at the absolutely enchanting Manhattan restaurant La Esquina. It was such a fun night for me. Mandy is very down-to-earth and normal (also so gorgeous in person--that...

Join Cosmo's safe-sun crusade.(Behind the Scenes at Cosmopolitan)
July 1, 2006... Roughly 28 million Americans fake-bake each year, and many women think it's a safer way to get bronzed. The scary truth is that the UV rays emitted by tanning bulbs are at least as dangerous as the sun's, and one study found that monthly indoor...

Things I didn't know till this issue.(FROM THE EDITOR)
July 1, 2006... The majority of women consider the sex they're having with their current guy to be the best they've ever had (page 232). In love tiffs, the partner who says "we" more often during the argument comes up with better ways to resolve the fight...

What's sexy now: here's what's hot this month--besides the weather.(COSMO NEWS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... BOMBSHELL BRAIDS Plaits are the new ponytails. Cosmo beauty director Rachel Hayes Gayle explains how to take braids from rodeo to red carpet: "Keep them loose, and pull out a few face-framing pieces." PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF ATHLETICISM ...

Brittany Murphy: better than ever: this captivating actress's life is at full throttle. She's engaged, starring in a new flick--fittingly called The Groomsmen--and has an album in the works. Get the scoop right here.(interview)(Interview)(Cover story)
July 1, 2006... When you're around actress Brittany Murphy, you have to keep reminding yourself This is a movie star. And that's not because she doesn't look the part. Dressed in black leggings, a snug black-and-white-striped tee, and a black belted jacket,...

Pick them up: petite primpers: this brand-new array of itty-bitty beauty products is all you need to look glamorous on the go.(Beauty Beat)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... COMPACT CARDS Dust your lids in a snap with a Cargo Color Card. $24 for 28. You don't even need to use a brush--a swipe of your finger will do just fine. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PINT-SIZE PRODUCT Just add water and each of the...

If you cheat, should you tell? Star relationships often end over affairs. But if you slip and regret it, zip your lips.(COSMO NEWS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... It seems that at the heart of nearly every high-profile breakup in Hollywood these days there is a cheating partner. Matt LeBlanc is just the latest in a long line of celebs to get busted for reportedly breaking his marriage vows. Matt, it...

Cream of the crop: their careers are on the rise ... and their pants are moving up too!.(Style Stakeout)
July 1, 2006... JESSICA ALBA She never has to go to great lengths to look good. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NAOMI WATTS No doubt Naomi gets flooded with compliments. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] REBECCA ROMIJN With these short pants, her...

Cosmo readers share their most shocking stories and steamiest secrets.(CONFESSIONS)
July 1, 2006... Nice to Cheat You "During college, I was dating Mark, who went to another school. I got lonely and also began dating Dave, with whom I had a class. One night, Dave invited me to a frat party. When I showed up, Mark was standing at the...

Men admit to their dirtiest deeds and most shameless scams ever.(GUY CONFESSIONS)
July 1, 2006... Three Strikes, He's Out! "I took this girl I really liked to a baseball game. Throughout the day, she kept mentioning how she loved tough guys. At one point, this drunk jerk behind us was rude and started saying really obnoxious things....

Is he a thrill seeker or a less-is-more guy? In bed, most men fall into one of these two categories. Use the following clues to determine which one your current playmate is (and what will drive him wild).(MAN MANUAL)
July 1, 2006... You'll Know He's a Thrill Seeker If... He's up for anything, loves to party, drives his car fast, and finds it difficult to kick back and relax, "When he's pursuing you, he sends racy text messages to feel out your boundaries and amp up...

Three weird signs he's into you.(guy spy)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... In the early stages, no guy wants to come right out and admit he's blown away. Here's how to figure it out for yourself. * He gets secretive. Don't panic when your new beau goes from being an open book to not sharing much at all. Strangely...

"Why take my number but not call?".(dude brain scan)
July 1, 2006... If a potential date's not interested, it seems like a waste of your time (and his) to bother. But for guys, the "number close" is half the fun. "For some men, getting the number and knowing they could have had the girl is enough. They just want...

Read between his lines.(guy spy)
July 1, 2006... HE SAYS: "My buddies really like you." HE MEANS: "Okay, we're officially dating now." SOURCE: PAUL L. FAIR, PHD, AUTHOR OF I'M RIGHT. YOU'RE WRONG. NOW WHAT?

Ace your vacation with him: ensure you come home from a getaway a closer couple.(his point of view)
July 1, 2006... There's no better way to bond with your guy than a trip for two. But you should know that while you're both sipping margaritas poolside, he may be sizing up your long-term potential--no pressure or anything. To avoid screwing up a good thing,...

"My vacation screwup".(guys speak out)
July 1, 2006... "My girlfriend had to leave our vacation a day early... or so I thought. That night, she caught me in the hot tub of our hotel with another woman." --Scott Parker "I was in Italy with my then-girlfriend, and we were trying to go from city...

Guy without his shirt: check out this month's half-naked hunk.(MAN MANUAL)
July 1, 2006... Name: Todd Litzinger Age: 22 Height: 6 feet 1 Weight: 175 pounds Sign: Scorpio Hometown: Denver Favorite thing: "The Rockies. I love that fresh mountain air and the peace and quiet of being out in nature."

Make her feel sexy naked.(cosmo for your guy)
July 1, 2006... Obviously, you want your girl to be psyched about stripping down for you. But sometimes (okay, a lot of times) she seems self-conscious about her body. Not sure how to help her along in that area? These tips should clue you in.... Admire...

Women want you to spend lots of money on them.(Myth of the Month)
July 1, 2006... "I've dated guys who took me to nice places and gave me pricey gifts, but they were jerks. It doesn't matter what a guy spends on me--I care more about how he treats me." --Tina, 28 "I'd rather have a guy who comes up with creative...

6 things I learned about celebs this week: access Hollywood weekend coanchor Shaun Robinson gives Cosmo the inside scoop.(informer)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... [1] Even stars as big as Jennifer Aniston had to struggle to make ends meet. The former Friend says that at one time, she made cold calls to try to get people to buy time-shares in the Poconos. She admits she wasn't good at it. [2] Happily...

Paging the love doctor: answers to your most probing questions about celeb relationships from Beverly Hills psychotherapist Bella Dishell.(informer)
July 1, 2006... Q: Why does Mischa Barton date guys who are less attractive than she is? LOVE DOCTOR: Women tend to value things like confidence, a sense of humor, and success over looks. So the men Mischa dates likely have some of these qualities. In...

Attack of the killer handbags! Celebs are shrinking, but their purses keep getting bigger.(informer)
July 1, 2006... IF YOU ARE... CARRY A BAG... 5'3" OR UNDER No bigger than a shoebox 5'4" No bigger than a laptop 5'8" OR MORE As big as you want ...

The return of sex-kitten hair: stars are bringing back the style made famous by actress Brigitte Bardot in the 1956 flick And God Created Woman.(informer: Beauty)
July 1, 2006... Teasing Tip "Using a fine-tooth comb, tease hair at the crown of your head," says stylist Kao Hui, cofounder of Salon A-K-S. "Pin hair where you'd tie your ponytail, and pull out a few face-framing pieces to keep it sexy." ELISABETH...

Kyra Sedgwick.(FUN FEARLESS FEMALE)
July 1, 2006... ROCKIN' ROLE "It's important to choose roles that you are proud of and believe in. I think my character, Brenda, is a great role model for women. She's a working woman struggling in a man's world who is powerful and doesn't apologize for...

Owen Wilson.(MAN ON FIRE)(Interview)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... In his new movie, You, Me, and Dupree, Owen Wilson plays yet another unwelcome guest. This time, he is invited to a wedding but crashes at the newlyweds' house for months on end. We're pleased to report that the sexy Texan is every bit as...

10 things to crave right now.(COSMO SHOPPING)
July 1, 2006... 1 A Gold-and-Leather Necklace Ellen Tracy, $55, 800-925-7979 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2 An Eyelet Sundress Necessary Objects by Ady Gluck-Frankel, $78 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 3 Embroidered Shorts Andrew & Co., $25...

Crib some celebrity cool: one of Tinseltown's tantalizing new trends is color--lots of it. Mix and match mod pieces like Rachel Bilson or cop Jessica Alba's sweet 'n' sassy effect.(STAR STYLE)
July 1, 2006... Necklace, Jessica Thomas, $70 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For a Summer-fresh effect, pair citrusy brights together. Cardigan, Bebe, $59, bebe.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bag, Fashion Flairs, $40, fashionflair.com ...

The season's sultriest styles: hands down, these are the most mouthwatering looks right now. Rock them with some hard-core confidence and you won't have to hunt for men--you'll have to beat them off with a stiletto.(OUTFIT ADVICE)
July 1, 2006... Bustier, Hot Kiss, $49, hotkiss.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Clutch, MICHEAL Michael Kors, $158 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Shorts, Nu Clothing, $165 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Long, lariatlike necklaces draw attention to your...

Wear designers for less: upgrade your outfits--without having to sell your boyfriend on the black market--by peppering your wardrobe with some high-end items.(STYLE STEALS)
July 1, 2006... Marc by Marc Jacobs wristlet $178 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dior sunglasses, 800-929-DIOR $240 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Missoni scarf, searlenyc.com $188 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Yves Saint Laurent T-shirt ysl.com $255 ...

Torrid tress effect.(CELEB LOOK)
July 1, 2006... The hot new hair combo: straight bangs paired with a textured mane. To get it, scrunch mousse into damp locks and blow-dry all but your bangs using just your fingers, says celeb stylist Ken Paves, who primps Ashlee Simpson. Wrap random sections...

Hilary's hot lips.(Beauty News)
July 1, 2006... Finding the perfect lip color can be tricky, as Hilary Swank learned while prepping for an awards show. So the savvy star mixed a nude gloss with a rosy one to make a gorgeous champagne-pink hue. Her palette: Guerlain Terracotta Gloss and Shine...

Gleaming gam tip.(Beauty News)
July 1, 2006... Celebrity makeup artist Matthew Vanleeuwen puts baby-oil gel on his clients' legs before shoots and big events because it gives their skin shine--sans greasiness. Try Johnson's Baby Oil Gel, $3.49

Pop star polish.(Beauty News)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Not only can Mariah Carey crank out hit tunes like no other, but she also has an eye for color. The silvery-beige nail lacquer she cocreated--dubbed "Satin Doll" after a jazz song--with mani master Deborah Lippmann is now a fave of Reese...

Sticky hair fix.(Beauty News)
July 1, 2006... Hate how tacky gel makes your locks feel? Mix it with equal parts leave-in conditioner, says Jamal Hammadi, who coifs Era Mendes The creaminess of the conditioner cuts the stickiness of the gel for smooth and soft strands. [ILLUSTRATION...

Virtual derm visit.(Beauty News)
July 1, 2006... When a star films in a far-flung location, there isn't always a dermatologist around. Enter NYC derm David Colbert. He uses teledermatology, in which his patients (famous or not) e-mail him a photo and a description of their woe and get his...

Hot half-up hair.(STAR STYLE)
July 1, 2006... J.Lo has out-tressed herself--again. To steal her effect, comb mousse through damp strands, then blow-dry, says Renato Campora, who did her do. He used Kerastase Mousse Nutri-Sculpt, $29. Set your locks in large hot rollers. After 20 minutes,...

Get lustrous look.(HOW TO ...)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The secret to a radiant mane is a shine enhancer that suits your strand type. Here's the lowdown: A COARSE COIF A serum formula is thick enough to also nix frizz. Try Silky Sexy Hair Frizz Eliminator, $17.95. A MEDIUM MANE ...

Sexy streaks for your face shape.(Marie Robinson gives hair coloring tips)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Take the mold of your mug into consideration when highlighting the front of your hair, says Marie Robinson, colorist at Sally Hershberger Downtown in NYC. The scoop: LONG AND NARROW If your strands are past your shoulders, brighten up...

Tame your mane.(Cosmo Hair)
July 1, 2006... If you're frizz-prone, don't rinse out all of your conditioner, says celebrity extra moisture will help to prevent puffiness.

Brush basics.(Jim Crawford tells the importance about the hair brushes)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Bigger isn't always better when it comes to your tress tool. Case in point: The smaller your brush's barrel is, the fuller your strands will be, since it can lift up your roots better than a big brush, says Goody celeb stylist Jim Crawford, who...

Foxy, fearless makeup: make a beeline for this season's batch of beautiful bright (but wearable) prettifiers.(Beauty Loot)
July 1, 2006... Loud Liner One stroke of TIGI Bed Head Big Fat Fun Eye Pencil in Teal, $16, will make an otherwise simple makeup effect look stunning. It has the perfect dose of sparkle too. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Punchy Pink Cover Girl...

Apres-sun saviors: go from greasy beach bum to happy-hour hottie with these no-bathroom-needed transformers.(Beauty Loot)
July 1, 2006... PROBLEM It's too bulky to lug your face wash and lotion sand-side--and where would you find a clean sink anyway? SOLUTION Cleanse and moisturize in one swipe with Apivita Express Cleansing Tissues with Chamomile, $12 for 10. We...

Beauty Q&A: this month, we answer a bunch of your sunscreen questions.
July 1, 2006... Q What's the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?. A The difference is minimal, says Perry Robins, MD, president and founder of the Skin Cancer Foundation, so reapply your sunscreen after every 30 minutes of swimming or...

Cures for summer beauty bummers: say buh-bye to strawlike strands, bikini bumps, and oil-slicked skin. We have pro tips that will banish all your hot-weather horrors.(BEAUTY BOOK)
July 1, 2006... 1 High temperatures are making you sweaty... and a little stinky. Since your sweat doesn't actually smell until it comes in contact with bacteria on your skin, suds up first with an antibacterial body wash. Then swipe on a strong...

How to ... get close on the weekend: after a crazy-busy week, reconnecting with your guy isn't an automatic. Our tactics will make fusing easier.(LOVE AND LUST)
July 1, 2006... Build Bonding Momentum Make plans for early the following week that you'll both enjoy--think dinner reservations of a ball game--so you can share in the anticipation. "All weekend, you'll be focused on how nice it will be to do together,"...

"We're both jealous types.".(SPAT OF THE MONTH)
July 1, 2006... "You can't just tell him to stop acting jealous; you have to say how unhappy it makes you," says Diana Ivy, PhD, coauthor of GenderSpeak. She also suggests asking direct questions like "Do we have trust issues?" Later, reinforce your loyalty by...

Have a hot night in a hotel.(BLOW-HIS-MIND TIP)
July 1, 2006... A change of scenery will revitalize your sack session(s), and the memory of your little adventure will keep you both smiling for weeks. To get a good rate, book a local room last minute (try hotels .com), pack an overnight bag for two (sexy...

62 ways to blow his mind in bed: we convinced dozens of real dudes to describe the specific touches and sex games so scorching that they're branded into their brains forever. Steal 'em and use 'em tonight.(LOVE AND LUST)
July 1, 2006... Every man has at least one smoldering sex moment he can't get off his mind a mattress memory he's drooling at the idea of experiencing again. But you can't force your guy to fork over the dirty details if he's too bashful to do so. Therefore,...

Surprising things that test your love: certain relationship road bumps trip you up for one reason--you don't see them coming. Read this so you'll know what to look out for.(LOVE AND LUST)
July 1, 2006... No matter how madly in love you are, every couple has problems to contend with. You're probably prepared for the usual glitches--fights about money, irritating habits, etc. But what might come as a surprise is that there area handful of...

Bedroom games to play tonight: feeling naughty? Then challenge your man to one competitions. The best part? No one loses.(LOVE AND LUST)
July 1, 2006... At Cosmo, we think sex is serious business. Seriously fun, that is. And this month, we've decided to up the fun factor even more by devising these sexy bedroom games. "Playful sexual activities not only infuse your erotic encounters with a...

How to meet a guy in 30 days: we lay out every tip you need to snag a man. One month and you'll be Juggling more hotties than you can handle.(LOVE AND LUST)
July 1, 2006... It's summertime--your work hours are easing up, you probably look the hottest you have all year, and love (or lust or good old playing-the-field fun) is definitely in the air, which makes now the perfect time to embark on a brand-new...

Ask him anything: advice from our guy guru, Jonathan Small.(LOVE AND LUST)
July 1, 2006... Q I had been dating this guy for a few weeks when he suddenly stopped calling, e-mailing, and returning my messages. Then just last week, he called me and said he had liked me so much that he had freaked out. Should I believe him? A I hate...

Bedroom blog: one woman dishes about her sexy (sometimes dramatic) dating adventures.(LOVE AND LUST)(Short story)
July 1, 2006... The story so far: Last month, K.'s life took a surprising turn when she started a fling with an up-and-coming indie film star. With the lavish nights out and her name appearing in gossip rags, K.'s life was suddenly like a fairy tale. That is,...

Female soldiers in Iraq: record numbers of women are on active duty in this war. We talked to five of them--some in Iraq, some safely home--to get a snapshot of their grueling, rewarding, and often terrifying experiences.(REAL-LIFE READS)
July 1, 2006... They're called Combat Barbies or Hooah Girls (depending on whether they're trying to look good in uniform or go grunge). They carry packs of gear that weigh almost as much as they do (up to 115 pounds). They get shot at, they shoot back, and...

"I was raped on my own honeymoon": it was meant to be the most romantic vacation of her life. Instead, one young newlywed woman experienced the unthinkable ... with her husband just a few feet away.(REAL-LIFE BRADS)
July 1, 2006... John * and I got married four years ago, and Rome, Florence, and Venice were our chosen honeymoon destinations. On our last night in Rome, we decided to go for a romantic meal. It was such a wonderful evening, we didn't want it to end, so we...

The new divorce freak-out: these days, it's not just married people who worry about a nuptial meltdown. Even singles are losing faith in the notion of happily ever after. Cosmo takes a closer look.(The State of (Love) Unions: PART 1)
July 1, 2006... Lately, it seems you can't pick up a magazine or even your phone without hearing about another married couple calling it quits. Whether it's celebrities like Nick and Jessica, Eminem and Kim Mathers (again!), or your best buds from high school,...

Feel-good girlie moves: looking for a fast happiness boost? It's easier than you may think--just tap into your feminine instincts.(PLEASURES)(Chart)
July 1, 2006... Looking for a fast happiness boost? It's easier than you may think--just tap into your feminine instincts. MAKE A Okay, you may not need a leopard-print cell-phone BLISS BUY cover, but it's gratifying to splurge on an...

Float away.(QUICK LIFT)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... To recharge instantly midday, try this head trip: Go to the park or an outdoor cafe during your lunch break and let your mind coast for half an hour, imagining, for example, that you're strolling along a tranquil beach in Spain. "Getting...

Heavenly hand rub.(PLEASURES)(Stan Sobor, massage therapist at Kiva Day Spa in Chicago)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... We all know the best part about a mani is the massage the technician gives you. Recreate it in a DIY treatment from Stan Sobor, massage therapist at Kiva Day Spa in Chicago: After lotioning up your hands, stroke each of your fingers from the...

12 rules you should completely ignore: you hear these so-called pearls of wisdom all the time ... but has anyone ever really stopped to consider whether the advice is legit? Cosmo got the real deal. Here's what the experts had to say.(you you you)
July 1, 2006... These days, everyone from your best girlfriend to your hairdresser considers herself an expert on something--freely giving you her two cents on how you should handle your love life, career, living style... you name it. They mean well, of...

How exciting are you?(COSMO QUIZ)
July 1, 2006... Some chicks see life as one big fiesta; others chill in their comfort zones. Find out where you fall. (1) How do you decide where to go on summer vacay? a. Simple: You'll hit the same beach town or bustling city you always visit. ...

... Start a romantic summer ritual.(WHY DON'T YOU ...)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Make this season--and your hot-weather memories--extraspecial by creating a you-and-him tradition you'll carry on all summer long. One suggestion: In the warm evenings, flag down the ice-cream truck, grab a couple of cones, then continue your...

... Debloat before a night out.(WHY DON'T YOU ...)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... That whale-ish feeling sucks--especially when you have a hot date planned. "Everyone has foods that can trigger bloating," says nutritionist Lisa Hark, PhD, coauthor of The Whole Grain Diet Miracle. "Note how you feel after eating a problematic...

... Pack the Aqua Sutra.(WHY DON'T YOU ...)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... While stocking your suitcase for an intimate vacation with your guy, secretly stick a copy of our new book, Cosmo's Aqua Kama Sutra, next to his trunks. This lusty manual is full of sex positions for the water--pool, ocean, shower... catch our...

... Love bare-naked legs.(WHY DON'T YOU ...)(short clothes)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... This summer, there are tons of stem-strutting options--short dresses, minishorts, and Bermuda shorts. For longer, leaner-looking limbs, "pair a brief bottom with chunkier shoes, like wedges," says Michelle McCool, Cosmo's fashion director....

... Fantasize about your wedding.(WHY DON'T YOU ...)(wedding preparations)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... "Envisioning the details helps you home in on what you want one day," say Judith Sherven, PhD, and James Sniechowski, PhD, coauthors of The Smart Couple's Guide to the Wedding of Your Dreams. Ask yourself "What's meaningful to me?" For...

10 pieces of info never to reveal about yourself.(cosmo commandments)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... 1 The number of guys you've bedded, if it rivals the current lottery jackpot figure. 2 That it was actually you, not the cable guy, who reprogrammed your man's TiVo to record Laguna Beach instead of the game. 3 You sometimes let your...

Why men can't resist a bitch: love logic dictates that nice girls finish first. Then what's up with men loving brazen babes who demand exactly what they want? We explore the topic.(ONLY IN COSMO)
July 1, 2006... It's a mystery. You see these great guys dating bitchy women and you think, What the hell? Why is he so into her? Tunas out, take-no-crap gals who don't apologize for being in love with their fabulous selves or try too hard with men have more...

What it's like to date a hotshot: seeing a guy who's higher up on the social food chain shouldn't make you feel like any less of a catch. One young woman explains.(ONLY IN COSMO)
July 1, 2006... Congressmen in Washington are like male movie stars in Hollywood: They're everywhere, they're always shorter in person... and yet everyone is still totally impressed with them. As a government major at Georgetown University, I was a...

Style checklist.(JULY)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... [check] Be sexy-preppy. Mix and match classic styles (like plaid and seersucker) with bold, bright shades. Think boarding-school cool minus the books. Check it out on page 174. [check] Call out a code blue. Magnify your mouth with a blue...

Summer lovin': in the mood for a little romance? Check out our vacationing viven, the gorgeous guy she set her sights on, and the subtly seductive outfits she wore to reel him in.(Buyers guide)
July 1, 2006... That babe from the beach? She had a sneaking suspicion He'd be a sucker for stripes. (on her) Dress, Bebe, $79, bebe.com; belt, Yves Saint Laurent, $495, ysl.com; shoes, Tod's, $545, 800-457-TODS; earrings, Annette Ferdinandsen, $630. (on...

In the buff: this just in: nude is the new hue for evening. Pick up pieces that appear to be spun from soft sand and that breeze about the body. One look and you'll be in lust.(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... TAWNY TEMPTRESS Dress, Chloe; necklace, Pade Vavra Fine Jewelry, $545 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEUTRAL GROUND Halter, Laundry by Shelli Segal, $160; skirt, Bebe, $98, bebe.com; earrings, Christie Martin, $145, girlshop.com ...

New eye sexifiers: craving big, beautiful, boy-baiting eyes? No problem. Some simple liner and shadow tricks can make ordinary orbs look out of this world.
July 1, 2006... Silver Corners * "Putting a splash of light-reflective shimmer in your inner corners is the fastest way to brighten up your eyes and make them look bigger and wider," says New York City makeup artist Tracy Murphy, who created these looks....