Cosmopolitan articles from May 2003

Cosmopolitan archives from May 2003

Get a fun and fabulous daily dose of Cosmo by clicking on cosmopolitan.com.(web site)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Style Secrets Every month, our fashion editors and celeb stylists reveal the insider tricks that set hip chicks apart, and we have all of their expertise archived on our site. So anytime you need some clothes counseling, log on and crib...

All about Alessandra. (The Cosmo Cover Look).(model Alessandra Ambrosio)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... COVER-STAR STATS Name: Alessandra Ambrosio Age: 21 Hometown: Erexin, Brazil Current home bases: Erexin, Brazil, and New York City Cosmo's cachet: "When I heard I got the cover, I started jumping up and down. Cosmo's my...

Cosmo salutes its fun fearless females. (From The Editor).(Fun Fearless Female Awards luncheon)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... * All that glittered was gold at our gilt-themed seventh-annual Fun Fearless Female Awards luncheon, held at New York City's Cipriani restaurant. Close to 500 guests gathered to salute Cosmo's honorees, including our first-ever Fun Fearless...

This month's fun fearless females: the reasons these Cosmo readers live up to the title. (From The Editor).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Denise Cristofalo, 34 English teacher, New York City Fearless factor: I'd always wanted to do standup comedy, but it totally terrified me. Finally, I got the courage to sign up for amateur night at a comedy club. That first time was...

Calling all hotties: help Cosmo find the most smokin' guys in America!
May 1, 2003... * Once again, this year's All About Men issue will be included in the November issue of Cosmo. In it, you'll find 50 single hotties from around the U.S. and must-read items on an always scintillating subject--men! We're still searching for the...

A life cut short. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2003... "Having lost my sister just over a year ago, I could relate to the crushing sense of despair that Karri's family felt (`My Sister Was Killed in the Bali Bombing,' March). It seems all of our lives are grayer without our Lisa; she was the glue...

Dis upon a star. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2003... "I cannot believe what I just read in March's `The Bitchiest Girl in Hollywood'! Each story was better (or worse) than the next. I really wish I knew who this celeb is because I'd never see another movie of hers again." --Hope Atamian, Studio...

Nothing to brag about. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2003... "I was appalled by one of March's `Guy Confessions.' Jonathan admits he manipulated a drunk girl into sleeping with him because she was `a sure thing.' He even says `Thankfully, she was drunk enough to buy my lame story, and she gave in.' By...

False "facts". (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2003... "Thanks for setting the record straight about `Scary E-Mail Hoaxes' (March). I always receive these fake messages. Now I know what I can tell my freaked-out friends next time they pass on `helpful information.'"--Jennifer Peek, city withheld

Men's lame games. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2003... "I had to laugh at `8 Sneaky Tests Guys Use to Size You Up' (March). I love the articles written by those Maxim guys, but who do they think they're fooling? We know why they leave us voice-mails at home on a weekday (cowards!), arrive early for...

Pregnancy possibilities. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2003... "Thank you for March's `The Crazy Thing I Did to Preserve My Fertility.' By the age of 24, I'd survived cancer twice and was devastated by the prospect of chemotherapy-induced infertility. Thankfully, I found an egg-freezing program, and I now...

Web poll. (You Tell Us).(about lying)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... March's "The Lies He Needs to Hear" listed four fibs that'll boost a man's confidence. Then we asked you: Do you stroke his ego by stretching the truth? 80% said yes. "I told him he was hotter than the guys in Cosmo."--Chantal,...

Guy test-drive: one man mouths off about March's issue of Cosmo. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2003... "I got some great ideas from `8 Sneaky Tests Guys Use to Size You Up.' I can't wait to try The Ambush Game. I'm gonna show up for my next data a half hour early. If she panics, I'll know she's too uptight. Hopefully she'll just give me a beer...

Cosmo readers share their most shocking stories and steamiest secrets. (Cosmo Confessions).
May 1, 2003... photo finish "While I was working as a temp at an architectural firm, I made the mistake of confiding in a coworker that I had a huge crush on a guy from another department. She suggested I write him a secret-admirer valentine to see his...

Confession of the month. (Cosmo Confessions).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... "I went to buy a used car, and the salesman kept flirting with me. During the test drive, I smooched him, and he asked me on a date. I said yes, and he gave me a huge discount. Once I had my wheels, I cancelled the date."--Meg, 28 ...

Men admit to their dirtiest deeds and most shameless scams ever. (Guy Confessions).
May 1, 2003... credit card shark "My old roommate Jordanna and I lived together for a few years, and she always had a small crush on me. It wasn't an issue until her interest turned into all-out obsession. Every time I brought home a girl, she found some...

Good guy or good-for-nothing? (Guy Confessions).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... "My roommate was cheating on his girl, and I felt sorry for her. One night, she called when he had a chick over. I told her to stop by, then unlocked the door. She walked in on them and dumped him on the spot."--Gregory, 27 heinous ...

Cosmo's bathing beauties poll. (Cosmo informer: scintillating and surprising scoop on your favorite celebs).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... We asked you to log on and tell us which svelte celeb looked the best in her bikini. Here's who you hailed as the hottest babe on the beach. DEMI MOORE 50% CAMERON DIAZ 18% NAOMI CAMPBELL 10% SARAH...

Gwyneth stands by her man. (Cosmo informer: scintillating and surprising scoop on your favorite celebs).(actress Gwyneth Paltrow and singer Chris Martin)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... Gwyneth Paltrow is known for lovin' and leavin' hot guys, but her romance with Coldplay singer Chris Martin seems to have staying power. She was spotted moving some of her stuff into his London home, and he's reportedly been a fixture at her...

Bottoms up! (Cosmo informer: scintillating and surprising scoop on your favorite celebs).(actor Colin Farrell)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... Looks like bottled beer is the new must-have accessory for men. We spotted a runway model carrying a brew, and then we caught Hollywood's latest It Guy, Colin Farrell, holding on to one.

Hunks in hiding. (Cosmo informer: scintillating and surprising scoop on your favorite celebs).(activities of actors Olivier Martinez and Ed Burns)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... Olivier Martinez and Ed Burns have been MIA lately, so we decided to find out what these babes have been up to. Sexy Unfaithful star Olivier has been laying low--maybe because he recently broke up with his girlfriend of four years, Mira...

Child's play: the only fur these stars flaunt are stuffed animals. (Cosmo informer: scantillating and surprising scoop on your favorite celebs).(Brief Article)(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... Christina's failed attempt to hold on to her innocence. Geri Halliwell seems to be confused... she was Ginger, not Baby Spice. Pink totes a comfort from home while on the road.

What's sexy now. (Cosmo informer: scantillating and surprising scoop on your favorite celebs).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Bottom du Jour Out In Superlow-rise Micro- pants miniskirts

Tara's style transformation. (Cosmo informer: scantillating and surprising scoop on your favorite celebs).(Tara Reid)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... We couldn't bear to see Tara Reid in one more too-tiny, too-tarty getup, so we used computer magic to morph her into a more fashionable version of herself. Tara's head on the body of a model from the Marc Jacobs spring show.

Cosmo hits the big screen: your favorite mag has had cameos in dozens of recent films. Here are just a few examples. (Cosmo informer: scantillating and surprising scoop on your favorite celebs).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Reese Witherspoon proudly holds up her copy of Cosmo (which she refers to fondly as "The Bible") in Legally Blonde. Julianne Moore, playing the role of a Connecticut housewife, flips through a 1950s Cosmo in Far From Heaven. In How to...

Josh Lucas: Southern charmer. (Cosmo informer: hunk of the month).(actor)(Brief Article)(Interview)
May 1, 2003... * Female moviegoers feel in love with Josh Lucas when he played Jake, Reese Witherspoon's estranged husband, in last year's hit Sweet Home Alabama. And we're thrilled to report that in real life, Josh, who is currently single, is just as...

Double your pleasure: we at Cosmo know there's only one thing better than a hot, sexy guy...two of them! So we gathered sets of identical twins who are so delicious, they'll make you drool. (Man Manual).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... KYLE & LANE What is the best thing about being a twin? Kyle: You always have a friend around. My mom would constantly say that we were really lucky because we had a built-in buddy. How are your personalities different? Lane:...

What his humor says about him: funny as it may seem, you can learn a lot about a man's values and intentions based on the things that crack him up. (Man manual: guy spy).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... * A sarcastic stud appreciates intellect and needs a woman with a razor-sharp wit to hold his interest. One caveat: He's emotionally on guard and often uses his saucy tongue to mask what he's really feeling inside. * Babes who bend over...

We like it when other guys hit on you in front of us. (the secret he wants to spill).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Most men are flattered when another dude drools over their girl, because it's an ego stroke. (Yes, it's always about us.) And though we shouldn't need lecherous outsiders to remind us that you're phenomenal, that's the way it works. Besides, it...

Men this minute. (Man manual: guy spy).(statistics about men who are nurses)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Seeking a dude who's well-schooled in TLC? You're in luck. More men are entering nursing. Since 1980, the number of male nurses has tripled to 146,902. SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

4 topics that totally turn him off: save these man-repellent subjects for a gabfest with your girls. (Man manual: his point of view).
May 1, 2003... * We guys love a woman who speaks her mind. Voicing your thoughts clues us in to your personality and shows off your smarts. But sometimes, the banter you bring up makes us wish you came with a mute button. What might be juicy lip service with...

"What I'm dying to hear her say". (guys speak out).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... "`That was a fun date' and `I had a good time and enjoyed myself' are both cool things to hear. But `Sure, I'll pay for dinner' is even better."--Bobak Rafati "I want to hear anything that lets me know what I need to do to make her happy....

Guy without his shirt: check out this month's half-naked hunk. (Man Manual).(Brief Article)(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... Name: Wil Mizell Age: 23 Height: 6 feet 2 inches Weight: 195 pounds Sign: Leo Hometown: Kissimmee, Florida Favorite thing: "I groove to blues music and R & B... especially Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill."

Can you tame a bad boy's wild side? Some say even the biggest player can quit the dating game and settle down. (Dating and relating debate).
May 1, 2003... Russell Crowe, known for his wandering eye as well as his penchant for bar fights, seems to be mending his wanton ways. He recently got engaged to longtime girlfriend Danielle Spencer, proclaiming "I don't get to spend nearly enough time with...

The dirty secret of friendships: if women love their best buds why do they always dish about them? Novelist Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez explores this destructive phenomenon. (On My Mind).
May 1, 2003... Any woman who has ever had a group of close friends knows the ugly truth of female relationships: We constantly size each other up. Like many women, I have compared my figure, my boyfriend, my salary, mad my mental health to those of my...

In-the-closet concern. (Agony).(woman who believes she is attracted to gay men)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... I've had four boyfriends in my life, and two of them later turned out to be gay. It freaks me out, and I'm afraid that either I did something to turn them gay or I have a quality that attracts closeted men. Is this Just a strange coincidence,...

Marrying mind. (Agony).(man who has broken three engagements)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... I'm 26 years old, and I've been engaged three times. In each case, I bailed at the last minute because I realized that she wasn't The One. But I had truly thought I'd spend my life with each one of them. How will I know when I've met the right...

STD slip. (Agony).(woman with genital herpes has unprotected sex)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... I've been dating a guy who I really like, but I haven't told him that I have genital herpes. After a night of drinking, we ended up sleeping together for the first time without a condom. I wasn't having an outbreak, but I'm scared that I might...

Ex-men fantasy. (Agony).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Whenever I'm having sex with my girlfriend, I always imagine other men in my place. Sometimes, when I'm giving her oral sex, I ask her to describe sexual encounters with men from her past. I know I'm not gay, so why would I get off on...

Guy giveaway. (Agony).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... I've been dating this guy for a few months, but I don't see our relationship going anywhere. Recently, my best friend confessed that she has a huge crush on him. She means more to me than any guy, but I would feel weird if they dated. Should I...

Chat room cheater. (Agony).
May 1, 2003... My fiance and I share an e-mail account. I've logged on to find him using the screen name Hotstud, so I assume he is going into chat rooms. Anonymous cyber sex is fine with me, but I'll be upset if he is meeting people for sex. Should I use a...

Hurtful disclosure . (Agony).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Recently, my girlfriend of two years confessed to me that the entire time we've been together, she's been faking her orgasms. She told me so we could work on making it happen, but now I doubt my skill. As a result, I've completely lost interest...

Hot Hawaiian: score the fun and flirtatious vibe of a hip Pacific surfer chick with by-the-sea pieces in bold tropical florals. (Cosmo Fashion).(Brief Article)(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... Shorts, Roxy by Quiksilver, $40 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Enameled silver-pewter flower necklace, Jerome Gruet, $75, jeromegruet@wanadoo.fr [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Enameled silver-pewter leaf necklace, Jerome Gruet, $45 ...

3 ways to wear a sundress: with a switch of accessories, this favorite spring style can be made office-appropriate, chilled out for a day off, or given some va-va-voom to make a date swoon. (Cosmo fashion: awesome outfits).(Brief Article)(Illustration)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2003... (WORK-WEEK CHIC) Voile Dress, CDC, $110; cardigan, J. Crew, $48, jcrew.com; sunglasses, J.Lo by Jennifer Lopez, $35, shopjlo.com; necklace, Julie Seidell at Pure Accessories, $140; leather sling-backs, Ellen Tracy Footwear, $164. ...

Cream of the crop. (Cosmo fashion: celeb style watch).(Brief Article)(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... Suddenly, Tinseltown types are all about baring their ankles. Check out the range of short pants--from gauchos to utility and cargo looks--A-list lovelies have been sporting lately. Jamie King [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gwyneth...

How to wear...satin. (Cosmo fashion: style secrets).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Glossy, glam satin is the hot material of the moment. But in its current incarnation, this traditionally dressy fabric looks trendiest in casual items such as cargo pants. Here's how to get the right effect. Wear only one big piece of...

The most flattering...sandals. (Cosmo fashion: style secrets).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Floral mules, Charles David, $178 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cosmo fashion director Michelle Maguire gives her pointers on picking warm-weather shoes that will ensure your feet are fetching: [TIP 1] If you're worried about your feet...

The perfect spring jacket. (FAB Find).(Brief Article)(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... Fitted cropped jacket, Rampage, $48, rampage.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One new spring purchase you'll find is worth every penny: a crisp cotton jacket. When thrown over warm-weather outfits, it'll make your look more polished and...

Look-great lesson. (Cosmo fashion: style secrets).(earrings)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Long, ornate chandelier earrings are a trend that shows no signs of declining in popularity, and this photo of always-chic actress Nicole Kidman demonstrates how these baubles look best: paired with a skin-baring top. "When you wear dangling...

The hottest swimsuits under the sun. (Fashion bonus section: best beachwear 2003).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... You'll be dying to slip out of your clothes and into a bitsy bikini now that Cosmo's annual beach-style special is here. The following 26 pages are filled with up-to-the-second swim trends, a fit-your-bod-perfectly guide to help you find the...

Poolside sexy. (Fashion bonus section: best beachwear 2003).(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... What to wear on days of carefree outdoor carousing: girlie swimwear in sun-drenched hues, with sassily seductive ties and hip-slung bikini bottoms. (opening page) Floral-print bikini, John Galliano, $350; high-heel leather thong sandals....

Fit for a goddess: evoke the deities of ancient Greece in suit with classical lines, provocative cutouts, and glam gold accents. Then, prepare to be worshiped. (Fashion bonus section: best beachwear 2003).(Brief Article)(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... STATUESQUE SIREN Bikini with grommets, Dolce and Gabbana, $190; tinted sunglasses, Oliver Peoples, $395, oliverpeoples.com; gold bangle (worn throughout), M and J Savitt, $105, 800-3-SAVITT; high-heel metallic leather sandals, Celine, $395...

6 more hot trends: the suits we just showed you sizzle, but there are so many drool-worthy styles this year that we couldn't stop there. Go ahead, buy more than one. (Fashion bonus section: best beachwear 2003).(Brief Article)(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... big florals Halter bathing suit, Free by Gottex, $72 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bandeau bikini, OndadeMar, $130, ondademar.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Soft-cup tie-front bra top, $40, and tie-side bottom, $34, Rajman ...

The most figure-flattering suits: finding swimwear that's just right for your unique body needn't be a nightmare. Arm yourself with our guide to which styles camouflage your least favorite body parts while playing up your assets. (Fashion bonus section: best beachwear 2003).(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... big butt 1 Boy shorts give great coverage, but stick to smaller ones--supersize bottoms will make you look bigger. 2 A one-piece with a low back causes your behind to appear less ample. 3 If you want a teeny bikini, go for one...

The best beach babe extras: once you've found the perfect suit, all you need to be a seaside knockout are a few juicy-hued accessories...and a little bit of attitude. (Fashion bonus: best beachwear 2003).(Brief Article)(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... Straw and leather bag, Serpui Marie at Pure Accessories, $112, 866-251-8732 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Canvas slides with buckle, Keds, $30, keds.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Shell and coral necklace, Elizabeth Brady, $85,...

Score softer skin while you sleep. (Beauty Buzz).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... You may think that the only time you need to lube up your body is after your morning shower, but think again: You should also be bumping up your skin's touch-me factor while you slumber. Studies show that skin loses more moisture at night than...

What to do when you see your first (eek!) wrinkle. (Beauty Buzz).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... When you spy a fine line on your face, it's hard not to feel outraged--shouldn't there be a longer break between teenage acne and wrinkle woes? But don't get mad, get even. Here's a three-step strategy for preventing new lines while getting rid...

Sexy new scent trend. (Beauty Buzz).(perfumes)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Looking for a fresh spring fragrance but not sure if you want to smell girlie or seductive? The hottest new juices contain a mix of tart berries and feminine florals, which makes them naughty and nice... and totally irresistible. From top to...

Smart shopping hint: better lipstick testing. (Beauty Buzz).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Swiping a lipstick on the back of your hand never truly clues you in to how the color will look on your smacker. And trying on a hot new hue directly from the tester tube is, um, kind of nasty. So we were relieved to learn this better...

Look pretty in peach. (Beauty Buzz).(blush suggestions)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... If you can't seem to find a pink blush you love, take a cue from screen sirens like Lucy Liu, Sandra Bullock, and Liv Tyler and sweep peach on the apples of your cheeks instead. "Peach is a neutral hue that flatters just about everyone and...

Buy time between shaving sessions. (Beauty Buzz).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Listen up, daily shavers. You can stay smooth longer with one of the new soy-based shave-minimizing lotions. They actually make your stubble finer and softer so it's less noticeable when it grows in. Plus, these formulas are so superhydrating,...

A simple antichip mani trick. (Beauty Buzz).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... For a manicure that lasts almost as long as one of J.Lo's marriages (sorry, Ben), try this chip-preventing trick: First, paint a horizontal stripe of polish over the very tip of your nail (1). Since the tips are the weakest part of your nail...

How to ... undo a nasty knot. (Cosmo Hair).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Detangling snarled strands may conjure up childhood memories of broken combs, tears, and a last-minute haircut. But you can put your tangle trauma behind you our pain-free strategy: STEP 1 Spritz the knot with a leave-in conditioner to make...

Two ways to update a ponytail. (Cosmo Hair).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... A ponytail is the hairstyle equivalent of your favorite pair of jeans--always reliably good-looking but never too exciting. We wouldn't tell you to ditch this tried-and-true do, but we did ask River Lloyd, of the Peter Coppola salon in New York...

Use creams when going straight. (Rachel's Insider Tip).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... If you have curly or very thick hair and you want to blow it out straight, your best bet for straightening products is a cream or lotion formula, They're the most moisturizing and give smoother results than a spray or a gel. One to try:...

At-home hair advice. (Cosmo Hair).(hair color)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... A do-it-yourself color kit that promises you bombshell blond can give you locks more accurately described as trashy ash if you've chosen the wrong shade for your hair. Here are the rules for picking an at-home hue that'll give you gorgeous...

Revive your do at the end of the day. (Cosmo Hair).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Ready to bolt from your desk to the dance floor but your hair is more "working girl" than "work it, girl"? "Add moisture," says Yves Durif, a New York City salon owner. "You can use water on its own or mix it with product." The how-tos: *...

Pro tip: soak before you suds up. (Cosmo Hair).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Slapping shampoo on your scalp before it's totally wet will only result in a big bad hair day. Your strands will be harder to rinse clean, and the buildup will make them look dull and drab. Instead, wait until they're drenched (count to "10...

Cavity/complexion cure. (Beauty Q&A).(using toothpaste)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... I heard that applying a dab of toothpaste to a can help get rid of it. Is this a myth or is there some truth to it? Believe it or not, doctors confirm that toothpaste is good for more than just a gorgeous grin. "Pastes absorb oil, which...

Stay-put shadow tricks. (Beauty Q&A).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... My eye makeup always fades in a few hours, is there any way to make it last longer? When your eyeliner and shadow make an early exit, you can usually blame excess oil. To prevent this disappearing act, makeup artist Joanna Schlip suggests...

Bruised-toe woes. (Beauty Q&A).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... I'm a regular runner, and the area under my big toenails is black-and-blue. How did this happen and what can I do to prevent it? Although bruised little piggies aren't pretty, they're usually nothing to worry about. "Black and blue under...

Couple conundrum. (Beauty Q&A).
May 1, 2003... My guy loves my thick, curly, hair, but he complains that he can't run his fingers through it. How can I fix this? Try this tangle-reducing routine suggested by Shai, hairstylist and owner of Capella Salon in L.A.: First, use a...

To-die-for thighs: get a bikini-ready bod in no time with this simple sculpting exercise. (Buff).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... THE MOVE TO MASTER INNER-THIGH LEG RAISE Lie on your left side with your left elbow and forearm supporting your upper body and your left leg extended. Bend your right knee and place your right foot behind your left leg (1). Keeping...

Chow down to shed pounds. (Buff).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... WE'VE ALL DONE IT: In anticipation of a night out, you starve yourself all day, figuring you can splurge on a high-calorie meal and mixed drinks later. But this calorie-banking trick is destined to backfire, says Gay Riley, author of The Pocket...

Give yourself a sexy shiver. (Pleasure).
May 1, 2003... When you're tense after a tough day, a light touch on body parts that rarely get attention is relaxing and stress-reducing--even when doing it to yourself. Try these calming moves: THE SWIRL Move the tips of your fingers in...

Dine in the dark: sampling food sans light supercharges your senses. (Pleasures).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Yeah, yeah, it sounds odd, but you're always up for something new, right? Switch the lights off just as you're sitting down to dinner. It'll help you enjoy the sensual process of eating (and hello--make for one helluva hot date). "We take in...

Sweet rewards: you'll be gung ho to tackle your to-do list after this. (quick lift).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Experts are raving about the power of prizes to get you motivated for anything--whether it's getting your butt to the Laundromat or nailing the standing-bow pose in yoga class. "Promising yourself a reward after every task turns your to-do list...

Rx for itchy breast. (Breast Check).(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... Embarrassing but true: Your bust is especially prone to skin problems. Here's how to subdue irritating syndromes. BREAST WHY IT ITCH BOTHER HAPPENS TAMER ...

"I read you can get cavities from kissing. Is it for real?" (his & hers).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Weirdly enough, yes! Studies have shown that the bacteria behind tooth decay are transmitted via saliva during kissing, says New York City dentist Clifford Williams. However, it's only an issue if your guy gets several cavities a year (a sign...

Attention all social smokers: even the occasional puff can put you at risk. (bad-girl rehab).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... While smoking just a couple cigs once in a while seems harmless, new research says it's clearly not. In a 22-year-long study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, women who smoked just three to five cigarettes a day...

Your intimate items have a shelf life: hey, they don't last forever. Find out when to toss these personal products. (Cosmo Gyno).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Once lubes and creams are past their prime, the active ingredients tend to break down so they're not as effective. Here's how long before you should give certain brands the heave-ho. (The clock starts ticking from the date of manufacture,...

"My urine sometimes has a strong odor. What's causing it?" (Cosmo Gyno).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... There are several culprits that cause pungent pee. You may be dehydrated, which makes urine more concentrated and odorous, explains Martin Resnick, M.D., president elect of the American Urological Association. Foods such as garlic and asparagus...

Important pill update: new research links oral contraceptives and cancer. (Cosmo Gyno).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... New findings published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention confirm that women who take oral contraceptives do have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. The study, which was done on 100,000 women for eight years,...

Scandalous work-perk abuses: we've all milked our job benefits, but these ladies royally sponged off of their employers. (Your Job).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... * "The company I work for has an awesome beach house for entertaining clients, and part of my jobs is being there to coordinate the cleaning crews after big parties. I often tell my bosses that it's being cleaned, when in fact I've invited my...