Cosmopolitan articles from July 2008

Cosmopolitan archives from July 2008

Correction.(Correction notice)
July 1, 2008... "The Scary Side of 'Safe' Drugs" (April 2008) mistakenly described grapefruits as increasing the metabolism of medications. In fact, grapefruit inhibits metabolism, causing the drug to remain in the bloodstream longer.

Cosmo extras.(Cosmopolitan)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Can't get enough of your favorite mag? Here's the scoop on everything really cool going on in Cosmoworld. 250 BEAUTY QUESTIONS--ANSWERED! * Nix nail problems, solve skin issues, get perfume pointers, and find out more helpful tips to...

Behind the scenes at Cosmopolitan.(Editorial)
July 1, 2008... THE SECRET TO AMAZING SEX For most women, good sex is at the top of the priority list. And a new study just gave us an edge: The Kinsey Institute found that a woman's brain can seriously affect her bliss. It turns out that women who feel...

Just shut up.(FROM THE EDITOR)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Our article on page 114 reveals the hottest words to say in bed. Here, readers share the funniest, most unsexy things a guy has uttered during the deed. "I once dated a Polish guy for a few months. The first time we slept together, he...

July: why don't you ...(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [check]... get a killer bikini butt. Inspire booty envy with this toning move you do on the beach from the trainers at Crunch in New York City. Stand on one leg with your back straight and abs in, reach toward...

Hot sheet: 10 things being buzzed about right now.(COSMO NEWS)
July 1, 2008... (1) FINANCIAL FULL DISCLOSURE [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In this uberconfessional age, nothing is sacred--including, it turns out, how much money people make. Experts believe that professionals in their 20s and early 30s are far more...

All-American girl: this year, Carrie. Underwood won her third Grammy and toured for her megahit second album. Here, the private singer opens up about her "carnival ride" career and new perspective on love.(COSMO NEWS: Interview)(Interview)(Cover story)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Just three short years after winning the fourth season of American Idol, 25-year-old Carrie Underwood has seemingly undergone a radical transformation--from a shy, plainly dressed girl from Checotah, Oklahoma, to a...

Why you may be avoiding love: nowadays, many young women are shunning serious relationships for a host of reasons. Cosmo investigates.(COSMO NEWS: Relationships)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Back in high school, you might have assumed that by the time you reached your mid-20s, you'd have your foot firmly in a cool career and your eye already on a guy with hubby potential. But instead, you've found...

Cheek peek vs. bare butt.(COSMO NEWS: Beauty Stakeout)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Cosmos all for cheekiness, but we asked 100 people if they like these celebs' bums better slightly covered or ultraexposed. Booty Beauty Before baring your derriere, aesthetician Kate Sommerville advises: Exfoliate with a sugar scrub,...

Sexy vs. skanky.(COSMO NEWS)(Table)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GETTING OUT OF A CAR ALL DRESSED UP Rihanna [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GETTING ALL UNDRESSED IN A CAR Amy Winehouse SEXY SKANKY 11 David Beckham's ...

Conversation starters: who hasn't been strapped for a perfect icebreaker? These tidbits will make you the most interesting person in the room--by far.(COSMO NEWS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Scientists have found that "brain farts" (when you screw up a mindless task) are due to abnormal brain activity that occurs 30 seconds before you have a blip in concentration. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The safest sex may be practiced in...

Confessions: Cosmo readers share their most shocking stories and steamiest secrets.
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Happy Twenty-Worst! "On the night of my 21st birthday, a group of my friends and I went out to eat at a family bar and grill. I am a lot shorter than my girlfriends are and have frequently been told I have a baby...

Guy confessions: men admit to their dirtiest deeds and most shameless scams ever.
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Driven to Stupidity "The day after I bought my first car with power windows, a truck with two beautiful girls inside pulled up to my left. The one in the passenger's seat looked over, and we exchanged smiles. She...

The man report: guys' heads are hard to crack. So Cosmo editor Ky Henderson has volunteered this timely insider info.(MAN MANUAL)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ON HIS RADAR [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Movie Batman is a rich dude who nails hot chicks and drives a badass car. So it's no surprise that I, and every other male in the universe, used to dream about...

His in-bed body language: you can learn a lot about a guy (like what kind of boyfriend and lover he'll be) by paying closer attention to how he slumbers. Here, the eye-opening facts.(MAN MANUAL)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] He's a Light Sleeper "Men who are sensitive to noise and movement as they snooze are also likely to be sensitive to your feelings," says Alex Lukeman, PhD, author of Sleep Well, Sleep Deep. He's the kind of guy...

Guy spy: signs you have sizzling sexual chemistry.(MAN MANUAL)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Yeah, so maybe you just met this guy. But there are ways to tell you'll dick between the sheets. * Your voice changes. Talking in a deeper tone around him is a subconscious sign that he turns you on; if your...

Guy without his shirt his shirt: check out this month's half-naked hunk.(MAN MANUAL)(Brett Novek)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Name: Brett Novek Age: 24 Height: 6 feet Weight: 165 pounds Sign: Taurus Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida The best compliment a woman can give: "You always make me smile."

Little things that piss her off.(MAN MANUAL: cosmo for your guy)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] (SHOW THIS TO YOUR MAN) * Most girls can deal with some annoying stuff that you do, like high-riving in public or changing your sheets as often as a solar eclipse. But there are other, more insidious behaviors...

Chicks don't ever look at porn on their own.(Myth of the Month)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I was channel surfing and came across this raunchy sex show with elevator music. I actually got pretty turned on, and maybe I've even seen a few more episodes since then." --Anne, 25 While my boyfriend was...

Usher.(MAN MANUAL: man on fire)(Interview)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Usher is at the top of his game. His latest CD, Here I Stand, has everything from catchy tracks (like "Love in This Club," which hit number one) to intensely personal ballads. His interview with Cosmo ran the same...

8 things to crave right now.(Fun Fearless Fashion)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... This just in: the list of the latest happening styles you'll lust for [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 A Colorful Beaded Necklace Forever 21, $7.80, forever21.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2 Matthew Williamson's Nomad Skirt $1,000,...

The sexy side of preppy.(Fun Fearless Fashion: OUTFIT ADVICE)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... This season, classic patterns and colors have more spice than a Fourth of July BBQ. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 Foxy Flag Colors Let a short (but sweet) embroidered dross, a bold pendant, and racy red shoes do the flirting for you. ...

How to shop summer sales.(Fun Fearless Fashion)(Buyers guide)
July 1, 2008... Max out your wardrobe (not your credit card) by snapping up marked-down pieces that easily transition to fall. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sale Strategies * Hit major chain stores first--with more merchandise to get rid of, they have...

Crib her look.(Fun Fearless Fashion: STAR STYLE)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Her OC days may be over, but Rachel Bilson still has an easy-breezy SoCal style that induces wardrobe envy. BILLOWY TOPS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Juicy Couture, $178, shopbop.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fire, $32,...

Prolong your bikini shave.(Beauty News: The hot trends, tips, and stuff you've gotta try this month)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Completely Bare Spas owner Cindy Barshop has fresh tips to keep your lovely lady area sleek and smooth. Exfoliate first! Buff with a gentle fruity scrub to whisk away dead skin. Glide the razor. Shave in the...

How to get clump-free lashes.(Beauty News: The hot trends, tips, and stuff you've gotta try this month)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A dramatic flutter draws attention, but sometimes, extra coats of mascara can look spiderlike. We pinpoint what you're doing wrong. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] * Is your mascara drying? Go for a moisturizing...

Face fact!(Beauty News: The hot trends, tips, and stuff you've gotta try this month)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Sun-damage readings from machines at drugstores aren't always 100 percent accurate, says New Haven derm David Leffell. But--surprisingly--they can show if a treatment (like a peel to even your tone) is working. Take before and after photos six...

Starlit sexy.(CELEB LOOK)(Armani Black Sparkling Mascara Top Coat)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] White may be the new black--at least when it comes to eyeliner. The hue casts a soft halo around your eyes so they sparkle, says makeup artist Linda Hay. Just rim your lids with a white pencil, then swipe on black...

Do a hair facial.(Cosmo Hair)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To avoid styler buildup, rub a clarifying shampoo on dry hair weekly. Sounds weird, but not adding water creates friction to remove grime, says NYC salon owner Edris Nicholls. Shower and rinse as usual. Paul...

Sultry side braids.(STAR STYLE)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "It's a cool twist on classic braids," says hairstylist Mara Roszak, who did SMG's do. It doesn't require a billion bobby pins or great braiding skills. Spray gel onto damp hair, part the top half in the middle, and...

Rx for flaky hair.(Cosmo Hair)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You may think dandruff strikes only in dry weather, but it's actually more prevalent when your scalp is oily, says trichologist David Kingsley, PhD. Quick tip: Dab a cotton ball in mouthwash, and run it over...

Summer-proof your dye job.(Cosmo Hair)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Don't let hot-weather fun fry your hue. Watch out for: * SUN Go easy on shine-enhancing stylers (like serums)--they attract rays. And use a protective spray to shield locks from UV damage. * SWEAT ...

Seductive scents: have a new fling with fragrances that tempt, tantalize, and totally draw you in....(Beauty Loot)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... It-Girl Spritz You may not have Sarah Jessica Parker's closet, but you can wear her new Indonesiainspired scent. Covet Pure Bloom, $68. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pure Pleasure Made for the bath, this delicate floral oil also...

Beauty Q&A: every month, we answer a bunch of your burning beauty questions.(skin care)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q Every time I make out with a new guy, I break out around my mouth and on my neck. Help! A "You may be sensitive to his cologne or he isn't perfectly clean shaven," explains NYC dermatologist Amy Wechsler. "The...

Look sexy--all summer long: this is the kick-ass season, but the high temps humidity can bring challenges. Just in time, superfast solutions for common beauty bummers.(COSMO BEAUTY BOOK)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * There are a million things to love about the steamiest, sexiest months of the year: bare skin, natural highlights, vacation flings.... But sometimes, scorching weather and frizz-inducing humidity can kill your...

Vanessa Hudgens:.(CELEB SPOTLIGHT: FUN FEARLESS FEMALE)(Interview)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HOMETOWN Salinas, California AGE 19 UP NEXT Her new CD, Indentified, and High School Musical 3, in theaters this fall ROMANTIC STATUS Dating Zac Efron * Vanessa Hudgens has...

Spend more time kissing: smooching often falls by the wayside as the relationship progresses. Here's how to encourage lip-locking.(ROMANCE BOOSTER)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 61% of men say their partner is not a adventurous in the sack as they'd like. SOURCE: MEN'S HEALTH SURVEY Flirt Your Way Into It "Let him know you want to make out more, but do it sexily so he won't...

Score a sizzling massage.(BLOW-HIS-MIND TIP)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... After a long day, ask your guy if he'd mind rubbing your back/feet/legs. If he's game, add some ambience by dimming the lights and presenting him with some scented massage oil. Bare the body part, and tell him exactly what kind of pressure you...

"He doesn't invite me to hang with his friends".(SPAT OF THE MONTH)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... "Ask yourself why it bugs you," says Nathaniel Branden, PhD, author of The Psychology of Romantic Love. "Is it that you feel neglected or don't trust his friends?" Share that with your guy and see if his reaction sheds any light. But unless...

Have extra naughty sex: these taboo moves will supercharge your lust life and maximize the pleasure for both of you.(LOVE AND LUST)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It used to be that a little game of slap and tickle could keep your sex life stoked. But now, cranking up the heat requires pushing the envelope just a wee bit more. "The availability of online pore has normalized...

50 tiny gestures that makes him love you more: many guys are freaked out by dramatic declarations of devotion. What will really resonate with your man are subtle, unexpected expressions that tune him in to how much--and how consistently--you care.(LOVE AND LUST)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Once you're in a relationship, those cute nice-for-no-reason actions (like the spontaneous pinch on file butt or a cocktail after a long day) tend to fall by the wayside. After a while, that stuff seems superfluous,...

Solo sex: what other chicks do: you've likely never discussed self-pleasuring, even wit pals. But Costa went there and got readers to spill.(LOVE AND LUST)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You don't need us to tell you that masturbating can be an awesome release. But there is a benefit you may not have considered: Learning what kinds of touches your body likes and responds to can help you hit the big O...

Advice guy pals want to give you: your male friends have great guidance to offer that you'd be crazy to ignore. We got them to share.(LOVE AND LUST)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When it comes to dating and relationship issues, your guy buddies have tons of wisdom to dole out. You see, they don't have the problematic perspective that your girls do, who are so hopeful about a dude's potential...

The hottest words to say during sex: figuring out what dirty dialogue he craves is tricky. Plus, you don't want to sound canned or like a bad porn star. Here's help.(LOVE AND LUST)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FOREPLAY "At this early stage, it's key to use phrases that indicate your pleasure and arousal," says Michigan sex therapist Lori Hollander. "It's encouraging for him to know that his kiss is enough to get you...

How I got him to ...(LOVE AND LUST)
July 1, 2008... SHE TAMED HIM ... stay in more often "Before we started dating, my honey would go out almost every night of the week. So I started throwing parties at his place, and at some point during the night, I'd pull him into the bathroom or...

Ask him anything: advice from our guy guru.(LOVE AND LUST)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [Q] I'm very close to my boyfriend of six months, but when we have sex, he closes his eyes and stays silent. He says he enjoys cuddling more than sex, yet he also says he wants more excitement. How do I interpret his...

Bedroom blog: one woman dishes about her sexy (sometimes dramatic) dating adventures.(LOVE AND LUST)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * The story so far: Last month, new beau Neighbor Boy dumped our fictional blogger, K. She was bummed but determined to start fresh with an on-air job at the news station. Meanwhile, her roomie and BFF, Sarah, had a...

Running on hope.(Q&A)(Back on My Feet)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] During jogs through downtown Philadelphia, Anne Mahlum, 27, was cheered on each day by the same group of homeless men. That led her to found Back on My Feet, a nonprofit that organizes running clubs in the city's...

"I killed a child with my car": Wendy Geal, 22, must always live with the consequences of a tragic accident on a dark country road.(REAL-LIFE READS: THE Cosmo Post)(Personal account)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I was heading home at about 6 p.m. on January 10, 2006, enjoying the peaceful drive past houses and trees on the rural Arkansas road I'd driven down hundreds of times before, when I hit him. The boy, whom I later...

A dog changed her life: though both suffer from debilitating diseases, Gabrielle Ford and her dog, Izzy, travel across the U.S. to deliver an important message to high school students.(REAL-LIFE READS: THE Cosmo Post)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When she was in high school, Gabrielle "Gabe" Ford never imagined that she'd make a career out of public speaking. That's because, as a 12-year-old, she was diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia, a neuromuscular disease...

"My dad was a sperm donor": for these two young women, the search for their biological fathers was, in large part, a search for themselves. One has an emotional story of success, while the other is still struggling to find the truth.(REAL-LIFE READS)(Personal account)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eve Andrews, 20 When I was 16, I read my mom's e-mail messages, hoping to learn some gossip--she's the school nurse in our small town of 5,000 people--but instead, I got the shock of a lifetime. The e-mail began...

Summer dangers you don't think about: active chicks like to head outdoors, but going "into the wild" carries risks. Learn ways to protect yourself.(REAL-LIFE READS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When Meredith Emerson, 24, went for a hike on Georgia's Blood Mountain this past New Year's Day, she took plenty of precautions, as always: She hiked on a well-traveled section of the Appalachian Trail; she brought...

Don't buy this, buy that!(BONUS SECTION)
July 1, 2008... When gawking at those chicks in the tabloids who flaunt their luxe lives, you likely think, I bust my ass every day-why can't I get a piece of that? Well, you can... thanks to our sneaky substitutions for stuff you lust after. ...

Solve a pal's problem.(CONNECTING)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Help a friend by asking her things like what her gut is telling her or how a similar situation played out in the past. She'll feel empowered if she reaches a solution on her own. Consider her personality and...

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)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SUPERSIZE RUDENESS "I manage a fast-food restaurant, and what pisses me off the most is when customers order their food wrong while talking on their cell phones or sit at the drive-through and say, 'Hold on' and...

7 Things you think will make you happy ... but won't: buy into these myths and you could actually be causing yourself more misery. Banish them pronto, and start focusing on the new secrets to loving your life.(YOU YOU YOU)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Recently, it seems that happiness has become the new sex. You want it stronger, better, faster, and more often. But paradoxically, the road to nirvana you've been pursuing could be the major roadblock to a more...

Read this before you go on facebook again: having 764 friends is fun, but some social-networking blunders can affect your rep, job, even your safety.(YOU YOU YOU)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You Friend Anyone You wouldn't let a stranger into your house and give them access to your personal firings. Yet that's kind of what you're doing if you fully friend them on Facebook--or leave your MySpace page...

Shameless money-saving trick.(YOUR FABULOUS LIFE)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Save mega bucks by picking a not-so-obvious summer getaway destination. Ski resorts are much less crowded at this time, so you can get deals on hotels--some places are more than $100 cheaper per night. Even though...

The secret to being a confident chick: color.(YOU YOU YOU: YOUR FABULOUS LIFE)(Sara Moulton)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Sara Moulton is the author of many cookbooks and has a brand-new cooking show on PBS. Her days are busy, but she still manages to keep it all together. Here's how: "When I have an important meeting, I wear periwinkle because I know I look good...

Career-success tip.(YOUR FABULOUS LIFE)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... If you're dying for a promotion, don't just sit around and expect your boss to notice. Come up with a list of reasons why you deserve it, and then schedule a meeting. It's more impressive to have a go-getter attitude than to wait for...

Score a perk.(YOUR FABULOUS LIFE)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... This trick will help you snag the special privileges you deserve: Hit up the makeup counters at a department store, and ask to be put on their mailing lists. Major brands keep info on their favorite customers and will send them discounts,...

Live-big-right-now advice.(YOUR FABULOUS LIFE)
July 1, 2008... Always keep your BlackBerry or a notepad handy. You never know when someone will give you a great idea.

10 signs you're being too bitchy.(TOTALLY COSMO: cosmo commandments)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 Most of your first dates these days end in tears... his tears. 2 You just inked a six-figure deal with Midol to be their spokeswoman. 3 Even your mom screens your calls. 4 When you get assigned to a...

Fascinating facts about rich guys: whether you're just curious about men with money or on a mission to snag one, here's the scoop on where they hang, what they do for a living, and the kind of mates they make.(TOTALLY COSMO)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Landing a loaded guy has long been a fantasy for some females. In fact, your own mother may have even quipped that it's just as easy to fall for a wealthy man as it is a poor one. And high-income dudes (those...

Caught butt naked: these hilarious stories show that nothing kills a good hookup like being royally busted.(TOTALLY COSMO)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Family Helliday "I was on vacation with my parents and another family. After some serious sexual tension, one of the guys from the other family and I started sneaking out to hook up. One night, we wound up...

Making waves: summer is all about skin-baring clothes that work for your fun-in-the-sun activities. And since you're a Cosmo girl, you know there's no such thing as too hot. So here are tips for making sexy pieces even more eye-catching. Trust us: the image of you will be seared into his brain.(FASHION AND BEAUTY NOW)(Buyers guide)
July 1, 2008... Get Wet and a Little Wild A thin white cardigan may seem prim, but not when it's clinging to your sea-soaked skin. Cardigan, YSL; bikini bottom (sold with matching top), Brette Sandler, $158; sunglasses. Ray-Ban, $139.99; earrings,...

Beyond the pale: white carries a certain mystique: innocence mixed with intrigue. Plus, with the absence of color comes the freedom to combine ruffles, embroidery, and bold accessories. The result is pure and simple sexiness.(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Like a Virgin Top, Rebecca Taylor, $298; shorts, Calvin Klein Jeans, $49.50 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fire and Ice Dress, Development by Erica Davies, $386; necklace, ROCKRAS by Kimberly McDonald; bracelets, Amrita Singh, $22...

Exotic beauty secrets you've never heard before: you could say we searched the planet for these beauty tricks with a sexy, foreign twist.
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Some of the hottest celebs today come from everywhere but Hollywood. These international chicks and the beauty insiders they work with are privy to some fascinating (and totally unique) get-gorgeous strategies. Here,...

The sexiest summer hairstyles: just in time for lazy days, the best looks of the season barely require any energy (or blow-drying!) and will keep you nice and cool.
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Shoulder-Baring Bun Go straight from the beach to umbrella drinks with this bun. The trick is to coil strands in different directions to create a thick, knotty bump. Gather hair into a low ponytail, and divide it...

What to do.(Cosmo Weekend)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... 82% of Cosmo readers said they're self-conscious in a bikini. Remind yourself that almost everyone feels slightly awkard when showing lots of skin. If it still really bothers you, just rely on cover-up when you are walking round the beach. ...

A ritual you don't have time for during the week.(Cosmo Weekend: You and Him)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Have a Sexy Sleepover Together On weeknights, sliding between the sheets is all about getting shut-eye. But on weekends, really luxuriate in bed by slipping into skimpy pj's and sharing bite-size morsels. Enjoy...

The seductive summer bedroom: turning your boudoir into a warm-season haven is easy (and cheap!) with these tips.(Cosmo Weekend: Living)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * An all-white bed will make you feel like you are vacationing in the tropics. Kelly Edwards, cohost and design coordinator for Design on a Dime, recommends buying oversize pillows and high-thread-count cotton...

Is it just an itch ... or an STD? When the weather heats up, you're more likely to get irritated down there. But it could be a tip-off to something more serious.([+] THE COSMO HEALTH REPORT)(sexually transmitted disease)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Thanks to more frequent down-there grooming, time spent lounging in a wet bikini, and summer flings, now is when you're most at risk for developing a condition or infection that leaves you scratching below. It could...

Sexual-health snafus: fast solutions for three gyno emergencies.([+] COSMO GYNO)(gynecology)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You got your period but don't have protection, Try wrapping several sheets of toilet paper or paper towels around the crotch of your underwear--they'll stay in place and absorb a fair amount of fluid. However, never...

A new HPV warning: this potentially cancer-causing STD has been associated with oral sex.([+] COSMO GYNO)(human papilloma virus, sexually transmitted disease)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Some types of human papilloma virus (HPV) can lead to cervical cancer. Now, a recent study shows that one HPV type in particular is also linked to throat cancer. "Oral sex seems to transmit HPV to the throat," says study coauthor Gypsyamber...

Health hint.([+] COSMO GYNO)
July 1, 2008... If your period have suddenly become heavier, ask your doctor to check you for hypothyroidism. SOURCE: MAYOCLINIC.COM

"Why do I sometimes get a headache after climaxing?".(Q+A)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These postcoital skull bashers are thought to occur when adrenaline and endorphins--chemicals your body releases as you become more and more aroused--begin to subside sharply in the minutes after orgasm, explains...

Bra bummers: an ill-fitting bra can cause bodily harm. Here, signs you need better support.(BREAST CHECK)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] YOUR BACK AND SHOULDERS ACHE. The band size is probably too large for your body, causing you to tighten the shoulder straps to make up for the lack of support. To get the correct band size, measure your torso by...

"When does a guy's fertility start to dip?".(HIS & HERS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... "After a man reaches 35, his sperm count and quality begin to slide slightly," explains Michael Werner, MD, male-fertility specialist in Purchase, New York. Still, because guys produce millions of sperm per day, the typical 30something dude...

Food fact.([+] YOUR BODY)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Eating whole-grain products can help you lose more body fat than if you consumed processed grains. SOURCE: STUDY PUBLISHED IN THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION

Nearly passing out.(WHAT YOUR BODY REVEALS)(fainting and anemia)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "When a young woman faints--or comes close to it--this often means she's taking in too few calories," says Allyson Zazulia, MD, associate professor of neurology at Washington University School of Medicine, in Saint...

Cosmo's bedside astrologer: get a sneak peek at what to look forward to ... and what to watch out for.
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) Put on your game face. When a supervisor starts on a dream project, drop your reservations and volunteer to help. Single? Complimenting a hottie's musical tastes makes him warm up to you....

Down, dirty, and dangerous from Scream for Me, by Karen Rose ... when Alex Fallon' life is threatened, she is assigned 24-hour police protection. Late one night, a sexy special agent proves that he can keep her safe and satisfied.(RED-HOT READ)(Excerpt)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A serial killer is on the loose, and the police department's only hope of catching him is sexy and smart Special Agent Daniel Vartanian. Unfortunately, every lead turns out to be a (lead end, and he considers giving...

Cosmo quiz: do guys see you as girlfriend material?
July 1, 2008... (1) When a date texts to say he's running 20 minutes late for drinks, you: a. Write back "Don't bother showing." b. Type "OK, but hurry!" c. Flirtatiously chide him with "You owe me one..." when he arrives. (2) Within hours...