Cosmopolitan UK - AprilMay 2022

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 2 • £ 2 .
9 9
FIND Sydney
YOUR Sweeney
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 2
TYPE
Sensitive?
How Euphoria’s most
divisive character
became our favourite
Oily? Dry? S h e h a s n e v e r, e v e r,
been happier!
Your skincare
routine: sorted
SISTER.
THE BEST FRIEND.
EGG DAUGHTER.
FREEZING WE REMEMBER
DIARIES
THE WOMEN LOST
THE N o.1 WOM E N’ S G LO SSY M AG A Z IN E
TO MALE VIOLENCE
THIS YEAR
ONE WRITER’S
PERSONAL JOURNEY
+ Your questions, answered
WORK
THE
CAN THE ROOM
INTERNET HOW TO
MAKE YOU NETWORK
RICH...?
LIKE A PRO
Our guide to WTF

crypto even is
PLUS!
THE RETURN OF
BRIDGERTON
RANDOM
QUESTION OF
THE MONTH…
What is the
most used app
CLAIRE HODGSON on your phone?
Editor-in-Chief
Executive Editor (Digital) JESS EDWARDS (maternity)
Acting Executive Editor (Digital) ZOE SHENTON
Creative Director DECLAN FAHY Workflow Director CARLY LEVY
The notes app – it ENTERTAINMENT

has everything from Acting Entertainment Editor DUSTY BAXTER-WRIGHT
my food shopping Acting Senior Entertainment & Lifestyle Writer DANIELLA SCOTT
list to my weirdest, Acting Editorial Assistant & Junior Writer EMILY GULLA Duolingo. I’m
wildest thoughts. FEATURES so whipped by
Features Director CATRIONA INNES Features Editor JENNIFER SAVIN that owl it’s getting
Sex & Relationships Editor MEGAN WALLACE Features Writer JADE BIGGS embarrassing (if you
know, you know).
DESIGN
Art Director WILL JACK Art Editor JESSICA WEBB Art Editor KATIE WILDE
Art Editor NATHALIE BATES (maternity) Acting Art Editor PETRA MANLEY-LEACH
Designer FLORENCE OGRAM
PICTURES
It’s a toss-up between Photographic Director RACHAEL CLARK Photographic Director EMILY MURPHY
Asos (where I spend Picture Editor SARAH ANDERSON Picture Researcher SALLY PRICE
a big chunk of my PRODUCTION Citymapper. I’ve lived in
wages – every day Group Chief Sub/Production Editor VICTORIA RUDLAND London for more than
is Treat Yo’Self Day) Deputy Chief Sub Editor MATT BLACKWELL Deputy Chief Sub Editor JAMES BROWN six years and still look
and Rightmove, to see Sub Editor RHIANNON JENKINS Sub Editor KIRTEY VERMA
up every single journey.
all the houses I can’t BEAUTY People who rely on their
afford (probably Beauty Director VICTORIA JOWETT Deputy Beauty Editor HANNA IBRAHEEM own mental map drive
because I keep
FASHION me bonkers. Travel
spending all my money
Fashion Director SASKIA QUIRKE Fashion Editor NATASHA HARDING efficiency is king.
on Asos). Bookings Editor SOPHIE LEEN Shopping Editor MADDY ALFORD
Fashion Assistant COURTNEY SMITH
SOCIAL & VIDEO

Head of Social SOPHIE BOYDEN
Video Lead ALEX HERING
Deputy Social Media Manager KIERA SPRONK Junior Video Editor/Producer TYRA CHUCK
CONTRIBUTORS
I love to track LOTTIE LUMSDEN (Group Talent Director) AMANDA STATHAM (Travel) The I am app. It sends
my reading on KEEKS REID (Beauty) LAUREN NICOLE COPPIN CAMPBELL (Fashion) me affirmations
Goodreads – and ALICE SNAPE (Features) HOLLIE-ANNE BROOKS (Features) throughout the day,
browse for new book at just the right time
recommendations! – it’s almost like it’s
reading my mind.
HEARST UK
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4· C O S M O P O L I TA N
THIS
MONTH
IN
COSMO
COVER STORIES
20 Find your skin type
68 Cash in on crypto
71 Network like a pro
From the
72 Sydney Sweeney
84 Egg-freezing diaries
editor
90 The women we’ve
lost this year
s
P24
pring is a time for fresh starts. For Listening to what they have to say is even
clean slates and hopes for a better, more vital during these terrifying times.
brighter future. A fresh start can be And finally, cover star Sydney Sweeney P46
as simple as packing away those bobbled reveals all about that Euphoria season
winter knits and unfurling a wardrobe that two finale and what comes next for Cassie.
feels as optimistic as your summer plans. From The White Lotus to The Voyeurs, the
From puff sleeves (p41) to the other key future’s looking bright for Sweeney, but on
trends dominating this season (p108), p72 the actress gets very real about the
INSIDE
fashion can have a huge impact on your change that still needs to happen when
mood – just read our feature on colour it comes to equality in Hollywood.
therapy (p48) if you don’t believe us. Whatever change you’re looking for this 07 P41
PLAY
It might mean rebooting your beauty spring – whether it’s something you want
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: JOSEFINA SANTOS. CUSTOM CANDY HEARTS, SHOP.MYCUSTOMCANDY.COM
bag, whether that’s committing to a more to embrace or something you want to let 15 GLOW
sustainable shopping list (p102) or decoding go of – don’t rush it. At times, change can
your skin type once and for all to find feel quite slow; it can feel like taking one 25 EXPLORE
a regime that’s right for you (p20). But step forwards and then three steps back. 33 RELAX
it can also be so much more. But remember: it’s the getting moving
For one writer, the fresh start her dating to begin with that really matters. 41 STYLE
life needed was to finally freeze her eggs.
53 MOVE
As a growing unease bubbled up in her
gut, she set out to discover the facts about 63 EARN
future-proofing your fertility, giving her
honest account on p84 (and answering CL A IR E H ODG SON 84 READ
some of your most pressing egg-freezing Edit or-in- chief
117 LOVE
questions along the way).
For others, a fresh start is forced upon
them; a life change they never thought Keep in
llowing
they’d have to make. No one wants to pile touch by fo When you see this logo
er
me on Twitt anywhere, you can be
on to a packed plane or make a perilous la ir e _H odge
@C guaranteed these products
ram LOVES
journey across the English Channel, but the and Instag are Cosmopolitan-
_H o d g e
@ C la ir e
2022
brave women (p96) who risked their lives team-approved.
for a new beginning in the UK did just that.
C O S M O P O L I TA N · 5
Xxxxxx
The normal
person’s
guide to the
Met Gala
You’re probably never going to go
(boo), but the dresses and drama
will be everywhere, so you might
as well know why This right
here is a
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Words E R I N C U N N I N G H A M whole entire

mood
play celebrity
h
Anna says you
c a n’t c o m e,
sorr y!
yeah,
Oh
is thing
th
s rules
ello and welcome
ha
to this rundown
of everything we
could dig up
No food that
about the party could get stuck
so exclusive, in your teeth or
apparently even make your breath
Kim Kardashian smell gross can
be served. Sorry
couldn’t snag an
about this, garlic.
invite until Kanye
West finally got
Anna Wintour’s
approval to bring No pictures
inside. Not that
her as his date. this has stopped
‘The Oscars of celebs from posting
fashion’ is a pics from the
Vogue-hosted bathroom. (Btw,
Vogue staffers, not
museum fundraiser,
security, have to
sure, but it’s also enforce this. I’m
a chance for picturing them
around 600 of telling Kylie Jenner
the world’s most to put away her
phone, and it’s not
stylish people
to one-up each
The order of events going well…!)
other, make some

Too-damn- 5pm Oprah Winfrey their seats for 10pm
trouble (hey, early-am Arrivals start and Taylor Swift). dinner. There is A surprise
Dakota Johnson’s No spouses
An entire day in an Anna Beyoncé and definitely such a musical guest!
sitting together as
and Bella Hadid’s of glam begins. Wintour-dictated Rihanna tend thing as a ‘bad’ Lady Gaga,
couples. Just one
infamous selfies), Most of the big order, kicking to go last table. Staffers Madonna and
more mandate
names are a off with Anna because ofc. allegedly Katy Perry have
or show off new couple of blocks placate ahead
of the world’s
herself. Then the all performed.
partners. The likes most meticulous
away at The co-chairs (past 8pm of time the
of Blake Lively and seating chart.
Mark Hotel. names include Guests are people who’ll Midnight
Ryan Reynolds, and Meryl Streep, inside and be in Siberia. Outfit change,
Harry Styles, heading to after-party.
Nick Jonas and
Priyanka Chopra No personal
made their big publicists. Stars
have to leave theirs
couple debuts on But make it theme-y at the door, so
the iconic Met You know how Halloween is just an excuse to put on an OTT ’fit? This is that
literally anything
with couture. 2022’s theme is In America: An Anthology of Fashion. Super
steps. Here’s all could happen
vague, as always (see: 2016’s Manus x Machina). But all the better to get
that goes into creative with, my dear. Not too creative, though, because in many cases,
inside.
PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES
the first Monday Anna gets to decide which celebs are dressed by which designers.
in May.
8· C O S M O P O L I TA N
play tv
Bridgerton
Which
1
THE DUKE
character are you?

Simon Basset will always
hold a special place in our
hearts. Like him, you enjoy
it when someone fancies
you – and you aren’t afraid
to tease. Cutlery-based
Our beloved Bridgerton is back for season two.
WORDS: EMILY GULLA. PHOTOGRAPHY: LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX; MOVIESTILLS DB. BRIDGERTON SEASON TWO LANDS ON NETFLIX ON 25 MARCH
tongue action not essential.

But are you more of a duke or a debutante? 2
The time has come to locate your crinoline and corset (what do you mean, they’re not to K AT E S H A R M A
hand?) and dive back into Bridgerton. Daphne’s big bro Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) takes Kate’s tongue is as sharp
centre stage this time, with his plans to find a sensible match derailed by the brilliant as the 19th century will
allow. Like you, she enjoys
Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley.) While Regé-Jean Page’s Duke of Hastings sadly won’t be
a savage insult. Exhibit A:
returning, our Spotify playlist is ready and waiting for some sassy new orchestral covers. ‘Your character is as
deficient as your
horsemanship.’ Ouch.
S TA R T
3
EDWINA SHARMA
People might call you
How do you deal with someone naive but, like new
How do you lick a spoon? you don’t really like? character Edwina, you’re
a big believer in true
love – and you want the
As seductively Erm, just in the I’m nice to their face I tell them what I think real deal in a partner.
as possible, normal way… and talk about them and don’t hold back.
obviously. behind their back instead. 4
2
1 DAPHNE
B R I D G E R T O N
Daphne is pretty innocent,
but she’s happy to play the
What are your thoughts on game when it comes to
the concept of true love? Are you more rule- finding the right match.
follower or rule-breaker? You know how to get what
I want destiny to find me I’m a bit sceptical you want, and you’ll jump
my soulmate and I won’t about the whole I’ll conform to Rules? I’ll through hoops if need be.
settle for less. thing TBH. the status quo break them,
if it gets me but that 5
3
what I want. doesn’t mean
ANTHONY
I get caught.
BRIDGERTON
4
The big brother of all the
Bridgertons, Anthony (like
you) wants to get his own
way. Still, his intentions are
mostly good – even when
he’s challenging best mate
Simon to a deadly duel.
Would you consider 6

yourself a BNOC (aka
a big name on campus)? P E N E LO P E
F E AT H E R I N G T O N
Penelope spent most of
I basically run Literally no season one at the sidelines,
the show one notices but she has a big secret:
whatever room I exist. she’s Lady Whistledown.
I’m in. You don’t always take the
6
Watch limelight, but everyone who
5
Bridgerton gets to know you loves you.
season 2 on
Netflix from
25 March
play movies
Bend It
Like Beckham
Where are they today?
Our loyalty to this film is JESS BHAMRA
PARMINDER
unmatched. So, as Bend It Like
NAGRA JULES PA XTON
Beckham turns 20, let’s catch up Remind me: Jess is KEIRA KNIGHTLEY
the film’s lead, football Remind me: Jess’s best
with where the cast are today legend and utterer friend and the one who
of the phrase ‘bend introduces her to the football
it like Beckham’. team, the Hounslow Harriers.
Wo r d s DA N I E L L A S C OT T Iconic moment: The She’s also Jack Grealish’s
final, right at the end hair inspiration, obviously.
of the film, where she Iconic moment: Any time that
makes up with Jules she puts on her best (worst)
and wins the game. Hounslow accent. Sorry, Keira.
Where is she Where is she now?
now? After roles Obviously, Knightley turned out
in ER (above), to be a pretty big deal. Her most
Fortitude and 13 recent project was Christmas
Reasons Why, Nagra film Silent Night (above).
has built a pretty
solid career.
PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES; SHUTTERSTOCK; MOVIESTILLS DB

PAUL A PA XTON
JULIET
STEVENSON
Remind me: Jules’s
mum and local
Karen-esque busybody.
She wants her daughter
to be less into football
and more into kitten
heels with bows on.
MR BHAMRA Iconic moment:
ANUPAM KHER Paula’s fairly blatant
JOE Remind me: Jess’s dad homophobia is a big
has the character arc of the thumbs down. But PINKY BHAMRA
JONATHAN
film. He starts off really Stevenson’s full stroppy ARCHIE PANJABI
RHYS MEYERS tears in the car are a
resistant to his daughter Remind me: Jess’s sister
Remind me: The Irish football playing football, but by the lesson in Oscar-worthy
and confidant, Pinky helps
coach who manages the end, helps cover for her dramatic acting.
her hide the fact that she’s
Hounslow Harriers and is also to play in the final. Where is she now?
playing for a football team.
Jess’s love interest. And Jules’s Iconic moment: The Stevenson played Lady
At least… for a bit.
for a bit, but we’ll overlook that. scene where he speaks up Cassandra Eltham in
Iconic moment: All her
Iconic moment: His dance about the racism he faced Sky’s Riviera and
scenes. But especially when
moves in the club when the when trying to join cricket was in ITV’s The
she calls someone a ‘stupid
team are in Germany for the teams in England reminds Long Call (above).
flipping cow’ for wearing
tournament. Very neck-heavy. us all why this film is as the same colour as her.
Where is he now? Since important today as it Where is she now? Her
his coaching days, JRM is was back in 2002. career is huge these days; from
best known for playing King Where is he now? Kher’s The Fall to The Good Wife
Henry VIII in steamy series an award-winning actor (above), she’s a full-on star.
The Tudors (above). with hundreds of projects
to his name, from Sense8
to Hotel Mumbai (above).
10 · C O S M O P O L I TA N
play tv
Build your own

Just how many episodes will
it take for me to convince
everyone I didn’t do it…?
female-driven
crime
drama
Because sometimes you want
to imagine walking through
London in a puffy dress
Yo u r m o s t
thinking about getting revenge i m p o r t a n t m u r d e r-
show ingredient =
a n i c o n i c ’f i t
Wo r d s E M M A B AT Y
QUESTION OPTION 1 OPTION 2
Okay, how involved in For dramatic I am innocent! And

the actual crime do purposes, I’ll be just as confused as
you want to be? extreeemely guilty. everyone else.
Because it seems like New York City.

these shows can only Or California, so
London, obviously.
I can drive my car
Killing Eve. The Undoing. take place in one of three
locations, you choose: along the Pacific
Big Little Lies. The Flight Coast Highway.
Attendant. Dead To Me. Where do you want your ‘I’m On the beach. A park – which
All have proven that the most engaging thinking really hard about this With intense music, is mysteriously
ADDITIONAL WORDS: EMILY GULLA. PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID GIESBRECHT/HBO; PHIL CARUSO/
crime’ scene to take place? of course. empty…

TV genre is the ‘dramatic mystery with
HBO; MOVIESTILLS DB. KILLING EVE SEASON FOUR IS NOW STREAMING ON BBC IPLAYER
a (very chic, usually rich) woman at the

centre’. And with the fourth (and, sadly, What plot device will My partner and My spouse has
the writers use to up I are very close to a baby I didn’t
final) season of Killing Eve coming to a divorce. know about.
the drama for you?
a close on iPlayer, we’re about to feel
a female-led crime drama-shaped hole
What big secret has A car crash that I’ve been
in our lives. So thanks to Villanelle’s has nothing estranged from
been plaguing you and
return, we’ve been thinking long and might get out now that to do with the my family for
hard about how we’d react to finding you’re under investigation? actual murder. years. Years.
ourselves in the middle of our very own
murder show (a highly realistic situation, Which incredible piece Coats – and I want Boots! So I can strut
obviously.) So that’s our excuse for of clothing will define them to be my everywhere in
your aesthetic? whole personality. slow motion.
making this chart that will help you take
your own ready-for-prime-time narrative
to the next level. Circle one answer to This is crucial. It’s a knotted mess, My hair is,
What’s your because I am shockingly,
each question, string them together and perfectly styled.
hair situation? going *through* it.
voilà – your plot line.
play music
Our Friday night phone call with singer

Wo r d s
E M M A B AT Y
Let’s start easy. What

do you do right after
you wake up?
Here is your Sounds peaceful.
I have a meditation room,
introduction to Is Miami ‘home’
where I can get focused
a man who hardly to you?
and concentrate on
needs introducing. I feel the most at home
myself. In this world,
The 28-year-old in Colombia. That’s my
in this industry, you give
Colombian has favourite place in the
a lot of energy – and
been making music world – Medellín. I have
sometimes you don’t
for a decade, and a farm with horses, cows,
give a lot to yourself.
his dirty-thought- goats, chickens. There,
inducing tunes I feel disconnected from
Is that where you’re
have turned him my career but connected
taking this call?
into a Very Big Deal, to my soul.
Actually, I’m in my
with more than 60
bedroom in Miami,
million IG followers Chickens?!
looking through the
to prove it. Oh, I love being surrounded
window and watching
also, he just starred by animals. The other
the ocean.
opposite the queen day, I was missing my
that is J Lo in the horses so much that we
romantic comedy found a place to go ride.
Marry Me. Before I need that connection.
he starts trading They don’t judge. They
his Grammys for just want to be with you
Oscars, we grabbed and love you.
him for a chat.
Speaking of love,
what’s your go-
to date with
someone new?
I love dancing; I love
salsa. I cannot be with
someone who has
no rhythm.
I guess I’m out... But

seriously, what if you
meet The One and
they can’t dance?
If she doesn’t want to
learn, it’s not for me. But
otherwise, I could help
and I would do it with
love. I would teach her
everything I know.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ALLIE HOLLOWAY
play books
Your book club just got

interesting
Want a read that you can’t stop talking about? These page-turners
have lots to discuss. Get the snacks ready…
We get it. Book clubs have a reputation for being boring. You end up gossiping about people you
know rather than the book itself. But with celeb book clubs going nowhere, maybe it’s time you started your
own? Especially as these new and upcoming releases have so much to talk about within the pages...
If you want to discuss… If you want to discuss… If you want to discuss… If you want to discuss…
INFLUENCERS AND THE MORALS OF W E L L N E S S C U LT U R E T H E I M PA C T O F
I N S TA G R A M PA R E N T H O O D AND THERAPY T H E PA N D E M I C
IDOL THE HERD TELL ME YOUR LIES THE DOLORIAD

by Louise O’Neill by Emily Edwards by Kate Ruby by Missouri Williams
What’s it about? What’s it about? What’s it about? What’s it about?

Samantha Miller is a ‘guru’ In a small town in England, When party animal Rachel This dark dystopian tale
and ‘idol’ to her millions of the decision on whether or spirals out of control, her follows an incestuous family
followers – she encourages not to vaccinate your children mum goes searching for who are clinging to existence
speaking ‘your truth’ as a is a hot (and divisive) topic. help and hires Amber, after an environmental
way to heal the past. But But for Elizabeth, whose child a renowned therapist, to cataclysm. The family is ruled
when her essay about a has an illness that means heal her. But Amber’s by ‘The Matriarch’, who
sexual experience she had she can’t be vaccinated, the intentions aren’t what they wants to start humanity over
as a teenager with her best debate is incredibly personal seem… and as Rachel again, but her children and
friend Lisa (despite both – she has to rely on herd begins to separate herself their children aren’t so sure.
women being straight) goes immunity to keep her further and further from Nevertheless, they survive by
viral, Samantha is accused daughter safe. Little does she her family, the reader is tending to the poisoned earth
of assault. It seems that night know that a friend of hers is left wondering who to – until one of the daughters is
– the one she thought she lying about her own child’s believe – has Amber sent away to another group
recalled so well – was viewed vaccination status… and this brainwashed Rachel? Or as a marriage offering. When
differently by Lisa. And, over lie erupts and erodes the is her seemingly kind and she returns, the other children
the course of the book, entire community. caring family hiding seize their chance to escape…
Samantha (and the truth something much darker?
Book club talking points: Book club talking points:
about her) slowly unravels.
You could discuss whether Book club talking points: It’s a strange and dark novel
Book club talking points: vaccines should be made Is it possible to keep a huge that implores us to look deep
We’ve reached a time where mandatory by law… but it secret? Or do you think it will inside ourselves, but do you
we get so much advice from might prove too thorny. If so, always come out in the end, think there are also slivers
WORDS: CATRIONA INNES
influencers – from our mental discuss the pressures piled no matter the lengths taken of hope to cling to? Did it
health to our fitness and diets. on parents and whether to keep it? And if it is possible make you rethink any of
But should we always trust you think it’s changed – how do you think that your own morals after the
what we see on social media? since you were children. impacts relationships? pandemic especially?
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ou know that substance that binds acid) dissolve dead
gritty exfoliator pore-clogging dead skin cells on the surface
you’ve been skin cells together, of your face and also
using since leaving you with 1
deep-clean your pores,
secondary school? Zendaya-like glowy 3
breaking down any
The one you scrub skin. Basically, goals oil lodged inside.
on your face until it on goals on goals. (Translation: they’re
feels tingly and slightly
great for preventing
raw? Yeah, there’s A little more about
these chemicals spots and treating
a really good chance
There are two main blackheads and
it’s destroying your 4
types of skin-smoothing whiteheads.) But keep
skin. The truth is, even
acids: alpha hydroxy in mind that even gentle
though exfoliators are 1 2
acids (AHAs) and beta chemical exfoliants can
100% necessary, the
oily -pro
wrong ones can do hydroxy acids (BHAs). irritate or dry out your ne
skin s in
k
ne
skin if they’re used too
ac
more damage than It’s pretty easy to figure
out which is right for often or in too-high Two per cent salicylic You need a triple
good. Harsh kinds can
your skin. AHAs (like concentrations. So acid cuts through threat: glycolic acid,
create micro-tears in oil and dead skin salicylic acid and
mandelic, glycolic, always start out slow
your skin, weakening cells, leaving behind apple cider vinegar.
tartaric and lactic and low (use 1%
its protective barrier a clear and dewy The formula targets
acids) exfoliate while salicylic acid for one
and rolling out a red complexion with dead skin cells,
also hydrating, making month to make sure noticeably smaller acne, blackheads
carpet for bacteria,
them ideal for sensitive, your skin can handle pores. This one’s and dark marks
causing breakouts.
it before upgrading a Cosmo beauty from old breakouts
So, permission to
to 2%, for example). team favourite (and every time you use
bin your old go-to is we try everything, so it. Honestly, just put
granted. The exfoliator you know it’s legit). a ring on this thing.
you should be using is Smoot
h ac
ids Paula’s Choice Boscia
made with chemicals, >
gr Skin Perfecting 2% Resurfacing Treatment
itt
ys BHA Liquid, £31 Toner, £25
cr
u b
PHOTOGRAPHY: STUDIO FIRMA / STOCKSY UNITED. ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES
3 4
s
sit dry
en iv
skin skin
e
s
Lactic acid – one Hydrating aloe

of the gentlest AHAs vera and glycolic
– is your hero. It acid is your go-to
works to brighten, exfoliating combo.
tone and smooth Why? Well, it does
even super-sensitive its job without
types. If your face is leaving your face
easily irritated, try feeling stripped
using this formula or irritated. Bonus:
once a week, The Ordinary’s A+
eventually building formula will keep
up to every three your skin (and bank
to four days. balance) happy.
Ren The Ordinary

Ready Steady Glow Glycolic Acid 7% Toning
Daily AHA Tonic, £27 Solution, £6.80
Beauty lab
Lash-boosting
mascaras
Each month, our beauty team tests the newest products to see
what reigns supreme. Here, Hanna Ibraheem searches for
the most impressive lash-stretching and curling formulas
Jones Road The Mascara, £24

Lengthening mascaras tend to sit on
the more dramatic side of formulas,
but if you’re in the market for something
Maybelline Colossal Curl slightly more natural-looking, consider
Bounce Mascara, £10.99 this one instead. Created by legendary
Maybelline knows how to make-up artist Bobbi Brown, the
do good lashes – its Sky curved wand grabs even the tiniest
High Mascara went viral on lashes and swoops them upwards
TikTok. Its latest innovation, into a subtle curl while keeping them
Curl Bounce, which is also soft and delicate, meaning there’s none
blowing up on social media, of that uncomfortable crunchy finish.
has a slightly curved wand
that hugs lashes and doesn’t
cause clumps. While it didn’t
give my very straight lashes
an intense curl, it did make
them super long. If you
like a fluttery finish,
this is the one for you.
LOVES
2022
PICK
EDITOR’S
Urban Decay Lash Freak

Milk Makeup Rise
Mascara, £22
Okay, at first, I was a little Mascara, £24
intimidated by the snazzy As a long-time fan of Milk
neon asymmetric brush. mascaras, I don’t think
But once I got the hang my expectations have been
of this mascara, it became so high since I sat down
PHOTOGRAPHY: ÁNGELA ROBER/STOCKSY UNITED.
a make-up bag staple. in my local Cineworld for

I load the formula on before the final Harry Potter movie.
Thankfully, this did not
ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY: PIXELEYES
using the rounded tip to

whisk away any excess disappoint. Developed with
formula (an important step four types of vegan waxes,
to avoid clumps). For extra it lengthened and lifted my
drama, I press the curved straight lashes but, even
edge into my lash roots better, as the formula is
for added lift. Guess so lightweight, my lashes
you could say I’m now didn’t droop or lose their
a certified (lash) freak, curl throughout the day
seven days a week. – something that I’ve
always struggled with.
glow
LASH LAWS
Make-up artist Adeola
Gboyega has worked with
some of the biggest brands
in beauty, from Bobbi Brown
to Pat McGrath Labs. Here
are her best mascara tips
1
USE ENOUGH
It might seem obvious but,
according to Gboyega, many
of us aren’t using enough formula
to begin with. ‘One of my pet
peeves is when I see people not
applying their mascara properly,’
she says. ‘They only get the tips
of their lashes instead of fully
coating [them].’ Looks like we have
to really layer the stuff on, folks.
2
BRUSH UP YOUR TECHNIQUE
‘To get the most from your mascara,
it is so important to place your wand
For more of at the root of your lashes,’ explains
our favourite Gboyega. ‘I always recommend
foundations, go to using the wand in a zigzag motion,
Cosmopolitan.com/ ensuring that you are working up
UK/foundations
from the root of your lashes all the way
to the tip.’ And yes, that open-mouth
mascara face is basically inevitable.
R.e.m. beauty flourishing

volumizing mascara, £15
Mac MacStack Mascara,
£26 each
3
Ariana Grande’s signature Mac already has a few lash
KNOW YOUR ANGLES
eye look was enough to heavyweights under its belt, but
make me want to snap up its new MacStack mascara Gboyega says that a mirror
her galactic-looking mascara. comes with the chance for is essential and its position
The wand is separated into customisation. Choose between can make a huge difference. She
three sections for impressive two brush options: the mega recommends placing it directly in
lash lift-off (lol, sorry), but brush for instant volume (best front of you, or even slightly below,
Ari has paid attention to for longer lashes) or the
‘so you can tilt your head backwards
the ingredients, too. micro brush for greater
Inside the silver tube is precision (ideal for
slightly and look down as you apply
a blend of 100% naturally shorter lashes). Hinted your mascara’. She adds, ‘This way
derived bamboo powder in the name, the you can really see the root of your
and fruit extracts for formula layers on with lashes and ensure you coat [them]
a nourishing formula ease and stretches properly for maximum volume.’
that won’t clump. Now, your lashes without
if I could just perfect a hint of clumping
her eyeliner technique… or crumbling.
A JOWET
RI T
O
T
C
Words VI
glow
O I LY S K I N DRY SKIN
W H AT ’S T H E D E A L ? W H AT ’S T H E D E A L ?
Visible pores, shiny skin and blackheads. ‘Dry skin has a tendency towards redness,
These are all key indicators of oily skin, scaly patches and the feeling of tightness,’
according to consultant dermatologist says Dr Mahto. This is because it produces
Dr Anjali Mahto. ‘Having had oil-prone less oil (aka, sebum) compared with most
skin for most of my adult life, I can certainly other skin types, explains Dr Esdaile.
relate,’ says Dr Mahto. ‘For anyone ‘Dry skin is not able to retain moisture
suffering from bumpy texture and pores and leads to a rough and sometimes
the size of planets, I’m right here with you.’ flaky surface.’
N E V E R S K I P: N E V E R S K I P:
Retinoids are your BFF. ‘They have multiple The single most important thing to
I’ve worked in the beauty benefits, such as oil reduction and fighting remember when treating dry skin? Restore.
industry for nearly 10 years, acne,’ says consultant dermatologist for Your. Skin. Barrier. Get that right and
but I still get a bit confused Skin + Me, Dr Ben Esdaile. ‘Other useful you’ll prevent a whole load of moisture
actives for oily skin include salicylic acid loss. ‘Look out for ingredients such as
about the whole ‘skin type’ (BHAs). Many of these actives can be hyaluronic acid, shea butter, ceramides
thing. I have an oily T-zone, drying, so using a good moisturiser can and glycerin,’ says Dr Esdaile. All of which
reoccurring breakouts along help fight this.’ Of course, SPF is a must work to hydrate and strengthen the skin
if you’re using acids or retinoids. barrier, allowing it to hold in moisture.
my jawline (hi, hormones)
and every now and then, S TAY C L E A R O F: S TAY C L E A R O F:
‘Oily skin can be prone to blemishes, Dr Mahto recommends ‘avoiding long,
my cheeks get Sahara-dry.
so using products that further block pores hot showers, as they can strip the skin
I figured I can’t be alone can worsen breakouts,’ says Dr Esdaile. of moisture’. Instead, opt for warm water
in my struggle, so why not ‘Heavier moisturisers that contain and keep things speedy. ‘Use gentle soaps
ingredients such as paraffin, petroleum and washes, and avoid any excessive
seek out the experts (aka, jelly and beeswax should be avoided.’ exfoliation, which could further irritate skin.’
dermatologists) to decode
the riddle that is skin types?
Here, we break down THE ESSENTIALS THE ESSENTIALS
exactly what, how and why

1
it can be helpful to shop
4
for tailored products. 3
1
3
PHOTOGRAPHY: STUDIO FIRMA/STOCKSY UNITED; GETTY IMAGES

4
2
2
1. Murad AHA/BHA/Retinoid Daily Clarifying 1. Aveeno Calm+Restore Nourishing Oat

Peel, £33 2. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid Cleanser, £7.99 2. Caudalie Vinosource-
2% Anhydrous Solution, £5.20 3. The Inkey Hydra S.O.S Thirst-Quenching Serum, £30
List Omega Water Cream Moisturiser, £9.99 3. Scientia Ceramide Skin Rescue Moisture
4. Shiseido Urban Environment Age Balm, £28 4. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen
Defense SPF30, £34 Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF50+, £34
glow
COMBINATION SKIN SENSITIVE SKIN ACNE-PRONE SKIN
W H AT ’S T H E D E A L ? W H AT ’S T H E D E A L ? W H AT ’S T H E D E A L ?
As the name suggests, when it One of the trickiest skin types to ‘Acne-prone skin tends to get regular
comes to combination skin, some treat, but by no means impossible. breakouts and they’re often persistent,’
areas of the complexion might be Dr Mahto explains that there’s no fixed says Dr Esdaile. But remember, you’re not
prone to dryness, while other areas dermatological definition for sensitivity, ‘it alone. According to Dr Mahto, it accounts
are oily. ‘The classic distribution depends on how each individual reports for more than 3.5 million GP appointments
is oily over the face’s T-zone and their skin’s sensations’. That said, ‘Sensitive in the UK per year – and it’s not just teens.
dry skin around the cheeks,’ skin types are often characterised by facial Acne can affect up to 20% of women
says Dr Esdaile. redness, burning, itching and dryness.’ over 25 for the first time.
N E V E R S K I P: N E V E R S K I P: N E V E R S K I P:
Keeping each part of the skin happy ‘When it comes to actives, azelaic acid and ‘Ideally your products should be labelled
can be tricky when there are different niacinamide are often tolerated better than non-comedogenic,’ says Dr Mahto, which
needs to cater for. ‘It’s still important products such as retinoids and acids,’ says basically means they won’t clog up your
to hydrate combination skin, using Dr Esdaile. Of course, protecting your pores. ‘While it’s not a guarantee that the
a moisturiser with ingredients such as sensitive skin is oh-so important. Dr Mahto formula won’t break you out, it’s better
hyaluronic acid,’ says Dr Esdaile. ‘For recommends using ‘sunscreen with zinc or than a product that’s not labelled at all.’
congested areas, gentle exfoliants with titanium (mineral-based SPFs), rather than She also recommends looking for salicylic
low doses of BHAs, such as salicylic those with chemical filters, which have acid, glycolic acid, zinc, tea tree oil,
acid, can be really helpful.’ the potential to drive sensitivity’. benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide and retinol.
S TAY C L E A R O F: S TAY C L E A R O F: S TAY C L E A R O F:

Balance is everything. You don’t want Sensitivity can be unpredictable, so try to ‘Stay away from facial oils and thick,
overly rich formulas, nor harsh decongesting identify any triggers and then avoid them. creamy textures in products,’ recommends
ingredients. Go for milder concentrations ‘Fragrances can be a common culprit of Dr Mahto. Opt for lighter formulations
instead. ‘Stay away from dehydrating irritation,’ explains Dr Mahto, so stick to instead. ‘Care should also be taken with
products (soaps and detergents) to avoid scent-free formulas. ‘Avoid harsh soaps, rich or waxy hair products – they can induce
irritating the skin barrier,’ says Dr Esdaile. toners, astringents and exfoliants.’ forehead acne,’ says Dr Esdaile.
THE ESSENTIALS THE ESSENTIALS THE ESSENTIALS
1 1 4
4
3
3
2
4
1
2
2
1. Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide 1. Avène Tolérance Extremely Gentle 1. Malin + Goetz Salicylic Gel, £19
Rapid Plumping Serum, £52 2. Versed Cleanser, £12 2. Ren Clean Skincare 2. Dr. Jart+ Teatreement Toner, £20
Just Breathe Clarifying Serum, £18 Evercalm Redness Relief Serum, £45 3. Skin + Me Personalised Acne Treatment,
3. Omorovicza Cushioning Day Cream, 3. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo £24.99 per month 4. Biossance Squalane
£130 4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Soothing Cream, £18.50 4. Pai British + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50, £18 Summer Time SPF30, £29 SPF30, £23
glow
Manicures are getting

a minimalist makeover
Basic doesn’t always mean bad, okay? And these
low-key nail trends prove less is more
Four neutrals
we love
E A S Y N A I L A RT
Can you do the whole minimalist thing
without giving up nail art? The answer:
absolutely yes. Just use nail tape and Essie Nail Polish
a neutral polish in a shade similar in Ballet Slippers,
to your skintone to recreate this chic £7.99
negative-space, half-moon design.
@nailsbymimi
Body copy bitty pages/ boxout
If cuddles were scented, they would
WORDS: SAMI ROBERTS. EASY NAIL ART: MANICURE BY HANG NGUYEN AT NAILING HOLLYWOOD. SOFT AND SHEER HUES: MANICURE BY
smell like this. Glossier You is
MIMI D; JEWELLERY BY MOON GYPSY JEWELRY. SUBTLE SPARKLE: MANICURE BY BETINA GOLDSTEIN AT THE WALL GROUP USING CHANEL
designed to echo that intimate
Kure Bazaar Nail
moment when you hug someone
you really like, and I’m so utterly Polish in
addicted to it that I have gone Nomade, £15
@thehangedit through eight bottles. I barely
notice the warm, comforting notes
SOFT A ND S HEER HUES of ambrette, musk and iris root on
my skin now – it’s enough just to
How to convince the world you have
know they are there.
the nicest natural nails: a ridge-filling
base coat, a layer of neutral colour and
a glossy-as-hell top coat. It’s basically
no-make-up make-up for your fingers. Nailberry
Oxygenated Nail
Lacquer
in Au Naturel,
£15
S UBTL E S PA RK L E
Don’t worry, glitter lovers. There’s
still room for you in this pared-down
space. A pearlescent polish with flecks Suqqu Nail
of microfine shimmer (like Suqqu’s) Colour Polish
will give your mani a hint of glam in 129, £18
@betina_goldstein
while still being low-key minimalist.
explore
BECAUSE LIFE’S ALL ABOUT THE 5-9
s e d h en party ideas
U K -ba
t
Hen parties can be tricky business. Please
es
The b
everyone (especially the bride) with these
foolproof and fun options, including everything
from hot-tub hang-outs to themed brunch
Wo r d s
A M A N D A S TAT H A M D U S T Y B A X T E R-W R I G H T
explore
GO GLAMPING
Take over a whole campsite
for a festival-style hen, or go
one better with pre-pitched
tepees. Fun extras can include
adult party bags, in-tent
massages, breakfast hampers
and catering to give things
that special touch.
PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES. SOURCES: @STAITHEPLACE; STARRYNIGHTSSLEEPOVERHIRE.COM; CLUCK HEN PARTIES. *HEAD TO WONDERLANDHOUSE.CO.UK AND THECAULDRON.IO FOR MORE DETAILS
LIP-SYNC IN A FLOAT AROUND RENT A
RUPAUL’S DRAG IN HOT TUBS PARTY HOUSE
RACE THEMED Skuna’s ‘Hot Tub Boat’ You’d be amazed at
ELEGANZA could be the best invention some of the places
Bing, bang, bong, this is PLAN A since Netflix. Not only do you can book, sleeping
the one if you all love Drag TREASURE HUNT you all get to sit in a hot tub well over 20 people.
Race. A dance instructor Split your hen party into heated to 38°C, but you Make sure you keep your
takes you through some groups and compete to see also get to float around eyes peeled for heated
RuPaul classics, then you which team can complete Canary Wharf in swimming pools,
get to take to the runway riddles around your chosen London with your tennis courts,
and battle it out. Will you city the fastest, while trawling drinks on ice. games rooms
sashay away or shantay you all the wine, cocktail and From £225 and pool
stay? From £38 per person champagne bars. What for up to tables. Yes,
with Red Cactus Events. could possibly go wrong? seven people. please.
GO PAINTING HEN PARTY
If you have a creative
crew, this may hit the spot.
GAMES
The Paint Club will sort out you need
a venue (or travel to a location
of your choice within 80
to know
miles of Sussex) and teach
you all how to paint (materials
provided) while also supplying
cocktails. Friends, booze
T R U E O R FA L S E
Everyone in the bridal party writes
and a great (unless you hit down one true story about the
the Prosecco too hard) bride and one that’s made up
picture to take home. Prices before putting them into a pot. The
dependent on group size. bride then pulls the stories out one
at a time and must convince the
room that whatever the paper says
is factual. The group must guess if
Last fling GO FOR she's telling the truth.
before HAVE A AFTERNOON TEA
the ring BAKE-OFF
Does the bride love
If you don’t fancy the
classics such as Claridge’s
?
baking? Delightful Tea or Fortnum & Mason, why WHO AM I?
Bake School can take Each member of the party writes
not mix it up with an Alice
up to 10 hens in its down five facts about themselves
In Wonderland themed (anything from ‘I have a freckle on
studio, or will travel tea in Brighton, or a the bottom of my foot’ to ‘The
BE AT ONE around the country to Wizard Afternoon Tea in bride and I once got trapped in
WITH NATURE a venue of your choice. Edinburgh*? We’re feeling a portaloo together’) and puts
Whether welly wanging (yes, Whether you want to hungry already. Prices vary. them in a pile. The bride must go
it’s a thing) in Yorkshire or learn to make macarons through each one and figure out
white-water rafting in Scotland, or perfect your cake who it’s about. How well does the
bride really know her hens?
take an adventurous bride out decorating, this school
of her comfort zone. We can has got it covered.
already see the Instagram pics. From £45 per person.
H E N -T H E M E D
T U M B L I N G TO W E R
At the beginning of the game,
divide the Jenga pieces among
the party and ask everyone to write
a rule on each piece of wood. This
can be anything from ‘Tell us a
funny story about you and the
bride’ to ‘If you use anyone’s first
name for the length of the game,
you have to drink’. Build the tower
and see what rules you pull out!
MOST
GET A PARTY BOAT EMBARRASSING
Whether you go for the MEMORY
38-passenger boat, Skylark, Every member of the bridal party
from Liverpool’s famous Royal writes down an embarrassing story
about the bride in less than six
Albert Dock or a party boat
words and puts it into a hat. The
along London’s Thames, you bride must then read out each of
can take in all the sights the six-word stories and try to work
while sipping on a cocktail out who wrote what, while also
before heading for dinner explaining what actually
somewhere nearby. Luxury. happened. Good luck with that!
The
BRIDGERTON
filming locations you can
visit in real life
As season two lands on Netflix, add these places to your ‘must-see’ list
Wo r d s A M A N D A S TAT H A M
The Bridgertons’ house

Otherwise known as the house of
dreams, where Lady Bridgerton resides
with her gorgeous family Anthony,
Benedict, Colin, Gregory, Daphne,
Eloise, Francesca and Hyacinth. This
The Duke’s
ivy- and wisteria-covered red brick house
Georgian mansion is actually a Simon Basset from season
museum, which you can visit: Ranger’s one’s home has the wow factor
House (below) lies on the edge of with its fountains, courtyard
Greenwich Park in south London and and sheer size. In real life, it’s
houses a world-class art collection. Wilton House in Salisbury,
owned by the Earl and
Countess of Pembroke, dating
back to 1544. It’s open for
day visits if you want to snoop
– and you might recognise
it from other classy period
dramas such as Emma, The
Crown, Pride & Prejudice
and, er, Tomb Raider.
explore
Modiste dress shop

The city of Bath served as a filming location
for most of the street scenes, which isn’t
surprising as it’s home to some of the
best Regency architecture in the country,
particularly its curved Royal Crescent. It’s
also where the Modiste dress shop, where
everyone buys their made-to-measure
ballgowns, was filmed, specifically at The
Abbey Deli, a cute cafe in the city centre.
The
gentlemen’s
club
Anthony Bridgerton often
socialised with the Duke of
Hastings at his ‘club’, filmed
at Lancaster House and The
Reform Club (above) – a
real-life Pall Mall members’
club (previous patrons include
Winston Churchill and writer
E M Forster) founded in
1836. It’s also famous for
being the starting point of
Phileas Fogg’s adventure in
Jules Verne’s novel Around
The World In Eighty Days.
PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES; ALAMY; SHUTTERSTOCK; MOVIESTILLS DB. BRIDGERTON SEASON 2 IS ON NETFLIX IN MARCH
The Featheringtons’ house

The gaudily fabulous Featherington shops (selling jewellery, arts and crafts)
residence was filmed in a variety of and experiences, too, like hot air
locations, including No 1 Royal Crescent, ballooning. You can also take tours
a museum in Bath. Another is Hatfield of the super-posh mansion, including
House in Hertfordshire (pictured below), the Chinese bedroom, a chamber with
featuring a massive park, restaurant, a canopied bed and silk wallpaper.
Queen
Charlotte’s
home
In real life, Charlotte’s opulent
home is actually the former
residence of King Henry VIII:
Hampton Court Palace (above).
Located in Richmond on the
banks of the Thames, south-
west London, the palace’s
incredible 60-acre garden
and the spectacular baroque
stately home are a great
setting for a weekend stroll.
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relax
CHILLING OUT NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD
Wild West livin’

Ever since Steps uttered the words ‘Rodeo Romeo’
in their 1998 classic, 5, 6, 7, 8, we’ve been waiting
for an excuse to slap on some chaps and start
saying ‘howdy’ to our colleagues. Well, the day has
finally come. According to Way fair’s 2022 trend
report, our spring interiors are about to get a little
bit cowboy, with lots of dark blues, distressed
leather and just a touch (lots) of denim. Think rusty
terracotta walls, sepia brown wooden furnishings
and thick woven fabrics. See y’all at the rodeo.
WORDS: DANIELLA SCOTT. PHOTOGRAPHY: KARA RILEY/STOCKSY UNITED
Words: Daniella Scott. PHOTOGRAPHY: stocksy
relax
Y E S , Y O U C A N B E C O M E S O M E O N E
who brings their lunch

to work
Words SAR AH WELDON F O U R WAY S
TO M AKE
TRANSPORTING
10 . 57a m i s a p e r f e c t l y
LE GOODS
acceptable time to eat
EASY
l u n c h, r i g h t?
A chic food-
container set
to rule them
all. We’re
thinking
1 3
something
by Lékué or
CHOOSE ADD TWO
Black + Blum.
ONE BASE OR THREE
Quinoa FUN THINGS
Capers
Pasta
Thanks to some groundbreaking
Shredded Replace your
research carried out by our team Rice
Parma ham plastic wrap
of experts (well, me), you can kiss the Any hearty green with some
Pesto
£10-desk-salad lifestyle goodbye. (kale, spinach, reusable
rocket, etc) Jarred beeswax
I’m not exaggerating, as you will see
artichoke hearts or vegan
from the formula on the right. Pick wax food
Lemon juice
your fave ingredients from each 2 wraps.
bucket to create the lunch of your THROW Hummus
workday dreams – they taste great in IN TWO Salad dressing

OF THESE
a bowl and will survive for up to a Hot sauce
Precooked Is it a lunch box
week in the fridge. Pre-cook your
chicken sausage Olive oil or is it a
base on a Sunday and throw in your handbag? Well,
Teeny mozzarella
extras across the week for simplicity there’s the trick.
balls
and variety. Let me get you started 4 Brands such
Your favourite PICK A as Herschel
with what I’m eating tomorrow.
large veggie, GARNISH make stylish
such as OR TWO lunch boxes
+ + + courgette or that look like
Mint
beef tomatoes handbags.
Dill
Pasta Courgette, Capers, Dill Roasted sweet
feta pesto potato Basil
Whatever fruit Toasted pine nuts

Reusable
is in season
Mixed seeds silicone bags
PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES
Feta cheese are ideal for

Crushed walnuts
carrying pretty
much any
combo.
Chickpeas: These magic recipes, brought
to you by Jessica Seinfeld’s
now whatever you Vegan, At Times (£20, Simon

& Schuster), will help you turn
a boring can of beans into
want them to be a solid snack – or a whole

actual meal. And while, yes,
you will need a few other
‘Ugh, I have no food.’ – not you, not today things to make this protein-
packed legume taste fun, you
probably already have/can
easily get them. Welcome,
friends, to Team Garbanzo
(that’s the fancy name for
chickpeas by the way).
Everything
chickpeas
(Makes enough to fill a mug)
TH E I N G RE DI E N T S
• 400g can of chickpeas,
drained and rinsed
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp ‘Everything’
seasoning*
• Pinch of rock salt
TH E RE CI P E
1 . Pour your chickpeas on to
a tea towel and pat them dry.
2 . In a medium frying pan,
warm enough oil over a
medium-high heat to cover
the base. Then shake the
chickpeas off the towel and
into the pan. Cook, stirring
often, until they’re golden
brown and crispy.
3 . Put those babies into
a bowl lined with paper
towels. Toss with Everything
seasoning and some salt.
4 . Eat them while they’re
warm and toasty.
*ICYMI, this is a mix of

sesame, poppy seeds, garlic
powder, onion powder and
salt. Available online or DIY.
relax
Spaghetti
with olive oil,
garlic and
Green
chickpeas
(Makes 4 to 6 servings,
hummus
depending on how (Makes a cereal bowl’s worth)
hungry you are)
T H E I N G RE DI E N TS
T H E INGR E D IE NTS • 400g chickpeas,
• ¾ tsp rock salt, plus more drained and rinsed
for pasta water and to taste • 225g flat-leaf
•450g pasta (eg, spaghetti) parsley or coriander
• 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 2 spring onions, white

and light-green parts,
• 3 garlic cloves, finely
cut into 1-inch pieces
chopped
• 1 garlic clove
• ¼ tsp crushed red
pepper flakes • 60ml extra virgin olive oil
• 400g can of chickpeas, • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

drained and rinsed • ½ tsp rock salt, plus
• 1kg baby spinach more to taste
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black • ¹⁄₈ to ¼ tsp cayenne

pepper, plus more for serving pepper
• Nutritional yeast, for serving • ¹⁄₈ tsp freshly ground

(optional/delicous) black pepper
T H E R E C IPE T H E RE CI P E
1 . Bring a large pot of water 1 . In a food processor

to a boil, salt it and cook (or the blender you use to
the pasta according to the make margaritas), combine
package directions. the chickpeas, parsley or
coriander, spring onions,
2 . Drain your spaghetti,
garlic, oil, lemon juice,
PHOTOGRAPHY: MARK WEINBERG. ADAPTED FROM VEGAN, AT TIMES PUBLISHED BY SIMON & SCHUSTER
reserving 250ml of pasta

salt, cayenne pepper and
water for later.
black pepper.
3 . Wipe the pot dry, return
2 . Puree until nice and
it to the stove over a medium
creamy. If it’s too thick, add
heat and add 4 tbsp of oil,
a splash of H2O. If it needs
the garlic and the crushed
more salt, add some.
red pepper flakes. Stir for
about 30 secs – do not let 3 . For best results, use
it turn brown. clementines, apples, red bell
spinach, more salt and the
4 . Add the liquid gold black pepper, and stir until We l l , peppers, cucumbers, carrots
or radishes for dunking.
(aka pasta water) and the the spinach wilts. s o m e o n e ’s a n
chickpeas. Let it simmer
for 1 min.
6 . Drizzle on the remaining o v e r a c h i e v e r,
2 tbsp of oil and stir once
5 . Add the pasta back to the more. Maybe add more aren't they?
pot and stir to coat. Remove salt? Completely up to you.
from the heat. Add the 7. Serve the pasta topped Vegan, At Times is out
with black pepper and a now. For more vegan
sprinkle of nutritional yeast, recipe ideas, head to
if you’re fancy like that. cosmopolitan.com/uk/
vegancookbooks
37
The secret
M i r r o r, m i r r o r
on the wall – is
this filter the
to mirror
selfies is
f a i r e s t o f a l l?
not
using
a
mirror
How did we
not clock this
sneaky little trick
until now?!
Wo r d s
ROSEMARY WOJTKOWSKI
Kara Del Toro @KaraJewelll
Hannah Zander @HannahRuthZander Cierra Nia @Simply.Cie Rosemary Wojtkowski @RFWRosie
*We’ll never tell. But it could be all of them and that’s the point!
relax
Honestly, it was always sort of too

impressive when influencers had neither
a smudge or a sink edge in their mirror
selfies. But it wasn’t until Kara Del Toro
(that’s her to your left) revealed this hack
on TikTok that we realised, uh, basically
everything truly is a lie. Unlike many
social media tricks, though, this one is
actually attainable for us regular types.
Behold, a step-by-step guide to making
your next ‘mirror selfie’ practically perfect
in every way.
Larissa Gill @LarissaGill Ivy Kenton @IvyKenton
ST E P 1
Secure both a prop Q U I CK Q :
phone (aka your
real one) and an how
actual camera ma ny
with a self-timer.
Or you can just of t he s e
ask your bestie to
p ics
take a pic of you.
involve d
ST E P 2
Find a spot that
a ct ua l
looks like you’re mirrors ? *
standing in front
of a mirror. Avoid
outdoor spaces S TEP 4
to lean into the Pose like you’re
deception. looking into a
mirror (or looking
ST E P 3 into your phone
If it’s just you: set looking into a
up your camera mirror), holding
on a tripod (the your phone with
professionalism!) a convincingly
or on an inanimate steady grip. Stay
object (maybe a away from weird
stack of books on angles at all costs.
a coffee table?)
directly in front S TEP 5
of you at eye Snap your sneaky
level. If your friend pic – and voila!
is around, have You have a shiny
them hold up new selfie without
their phone at having to bust out
your eye level. the glass cleaner.
S TEP 6
Drop your pic
on every single
Lauren-Nicole Coppin Campbell @LaurenNicoleFK
social platform.
relax
Which
plant child
M O STLY As
Fake
plant
You’re not a cactus
person. Those require
should you adopt? dirt and light and,

therefore, are too
hard. Spend enough
Ug
time researching
There is plant-parenthood hope for us all
h, w
realistic-looking fakes
and it counts because
e get it
so much thought
How much sunlight
went into it.
do you get in your
.Y
place?
o
re
u’
go A Um... none.
od a
t this M O STLY B s
B I have windows, so?
Snake
C More than enough, plant
according to Google. Bare minimum, come
through! The snake
D Exposure in the south
plant is foolproof,
and east corners.
helps with air quality
(allegedly, but mostly
Your friend asks it’s cute) and can
you to dog-sit for grow impressively
the weekend. How tall quickly. You’ll
do you prepare? appreciate the
instant gratification.
A I don’t. She’s dropping
off the dog, I think?
B I mean, there’s no
M O STLY C s
chocolate or metal nails
lying around, so I think D e v i l ’s
WORDS: CARINA HSIEH. PHOTOGRAPHY: © LIVING4MEDIA / BAUER SYNDICATION. ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES
I’m good. ivy
C I stocked up on puppy You’ve got it together...

pads, even though he’s most of the time,
allegedly house-trained. so you can handle
a little more than a
D I ordered dog-proofing set-it-and-forget-it
accessories and vegan potted thing. And if shit
chew toys before she comes up (as it always
finalised her travel plans. does for you), this guy
will stay green – even
Real quick: where’s in darker conditions.
your phone right
Your Uber’s here. You’re most likely now?
Where are you? to spend your time
A Idk or I’d be on it. M O STLY Ds
off on…
d-of-
A In the shower.
B If I grope around Bir
A Nothing. I’m using it all a radise
B Changing (again), with a one-metre radius, it p
for my big 2023 getaway,
one eye on my phone. seeing as it rolls over each will probably turn up. A very needy plant
for a dedicated and
C Ready to go. I literally year. Wait, what do you C On the table. organised parent to
just got the notification. mean it doesn’t roll over?
anything that lives.
D Tucked neatly into my
B Sporadic mental health This new project
D Gathering my group tote bag’s designated
days. Planning is work. might mean you
to meet me out front while phone pocket (I paid need to cancel
sweet-talking the driver. C Just one long weekend extra for the organiser). your 15-year Sims
with the gals. I like my job! subscription, but you
could probs handle
D A pre-planned multi- both to be honest.
country tour through Asia.
style
Xxxxxx
FA S H I O N T H AT M A K E S YO U F E E L A S G R E AT A S YO U LO O K
ms
drea
your
s a s big as
eve
sle
ur
yo
a ke
M
We need to talk
about the
elephant
puff sleeves
in the room
They’re not going anywhere
and we are thrilled!
style
D r e s s , £ 9 9,
Abercrombie
& Fitch
To p , £ 9 9.9 9,
Fabienne
Chapot at
The Bias Cut
Dress,
£10 9,
M i n t Ve l v e t
B louse,
£12. 5 0,
George
at Asda
B louse,
£15 5, R i x o
ated
suf foc
’r e n o t
when they
Dress,
£ 3 5 .9 9,
r shoulders
Mango
m!’ – you
eeedo
‘Fre
Dress,
£ 69, O a s i s
D r e s s , £ 2 2, Tu a t S a i n s b u r y ’s
To p , £ 8 9,
Coast
D r e s s , £ 5 0,
River Island
To p , £75,
Guinea
London
To p , £ 42,
Abercrombie & Fitch
HERE’S
THE THING
There are many
levels on the official
Puff Sleeve Scale, so you
WORDS: LAUREN ADHAV. SHOPPING EDITOR: MADDY ALFORD. PHOTOGRAPHY: KATHRYN WIRSING. FASHION BY KIA GOOSBY.
Cardigan, can go subtle or really

£ 27.9 9, Z a r a pile on the poof and
HAIR: NEAL PITTMAN AT SEE MANAGEMENT USING R+CO. MAKE-UP: CLARA RAE AT HONEY ARTISTS FOR FACE ATELIER
still be ‘on trend’.
D r e s s , £18 5, To p , £79,
Sister Jane House of CB
To p , £115,
Sister Jane
S h i r t , £ 3 5 .9 9,
Mango
You CAN tuck
into that tiny skirt

that giant top
All the wily tricks the

influencers are using
and not telling you
about (rude)
Wo r d s
R AC H E L TO R G E R S O N
Every blogger on IG has

you fooled into thinking
that they’ve somehow
crammed massive jumpers
into bodycon-level bottoms 1. Throw on your jumper and silk skirt. 2.
without any of the bunching Cinch your knit with a belt at your natural
and bulging that we mere waist. 3. Leaving some fabric tucked into
mortals get. The truth is that THE the belt, loosen the top to your desired length.
they – just like you’re about secret 4. Make sure the jumper conceals the belt
to – have left traditional (and the fabric is still tucked into it), and live
belt
tucking measures behind your best damn life with no awkward lumps
in favour of this magic... or cable-knit patterns popping through the silk.
Jumper and skirt, vince.com. Belt, frame-store.com.
Earrings, sylviatoledano.com
style
O
TO
I S
TH
You can absolutely tuck

trousers into sandals, btw
1. You’ll need lace-up ones like these or a pair with
buckles that don’t have a thick attachment on the
back of the shoe. 2. Buckle or lace your heels over
your trousers, then play with the hems until you get
them to the proper length, which usually looks like
a cute bell-bottom (look it up for an example)
or a faked bungee hem. Either way, so fashun!
Trousers, Babaton at aritzia.com.

Heels, Louise et Cie at vincecamuto.com
THE
1. Wear a sports bra underneath the (long-ish) shirt you’d like
sneaky to shorten 2. Slip the hem of your top into the base of the bra.
sports 3. Keep stuffing it up there, adjusting it to your desired length.
bra 4. Brag to everyone about how well-tucked your shirt is.
Oh, bonus: you can also create a crop top like this.
T-shirt, everlane.com. Skirt, mango.com. Bandana worn as belt,
mannermarket.com. Earrings, jeanniekim.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: ALLIE HOLLOWAY. STYLING: KIA GOOSBY
THE
double 1. Think about how nice it would be to tuck an oversized sweatshirt into your skirt 2. Gather your
twisty top at each side and twist it into two cute tails. 3. Stuff those little guys into the sides of the skirt.
tail 4. Admire your handiwork and get ready to receive all the compliments.
Sweatshirt, holidaythelabel.com. Skirt, agjeans.com. Belt, frame-store.com. Earrings, shopmachete.com
An
ode to
socks
They are the light
of my life – and no,
I’m not exaggerating
Wo r d s L AU R E N A D H AV
Confession: I wore make the hellish friction

only no-show socks stop. And the more I
up until like two years wore them, the more
ago. I had a ton of I got a pair of calf-high those extra inches of
those neutral ones that patent-leather boots soft cotton seemed
supposedly cover the that rubbed against to be giving my lower
tips of your toes and my bare legs so much appendages li’l hugs.
supposedly stay hidden. it felt like I had shin My ‘lingerie’ drawer
(PSA: they never do. splints. (To be honest, is now all socks in
They bunch up under I’m not sure I’ve a ton of fresh styles.
your arches, or just actually ever had shin Tie-dye! Two-tone!
slide off altogether. splints, but this seems Ribbed! Sheer! Metallic!
In case it’s not clear, like an apt description (Just look up and to
they are terrible.) of my pain?) So I caved the right for a taste.)
But then – dramatic and bought pink crew Haters will say I have
pause – last winter, socks – you know, the an unhealthy obsession,
ones between ankle
and knee length – to
style
It’s all about the material. Cashmere,

Here’s the trick...
dress up trainers and flats, too.

shoes look even more expensive.
sheer or metallic socks make fancy
S
NEW
FLASH
But you can use them to

Flat form espadrilles
are ac tually made for
spring when you pair
them with plaid
+
£13, B u r l i n g t o n
£1. 5 0, M i n t Ve l v e t
£10 0, N e w B a l a n c e
+
£14 0, C l a r k s O r i g i n a l s
at Urban Oufit ters
+
£ 6 . 5 0, O l i v e r B o n a s
£16 , F a l k e
£ 45 .9 9, Z a r a
£36, Nex t
£15, F a l k e
SHOPPING EDITOR: MADDY ALFORD. BLUE PLAID MESH SOCKS, DANIEL SAHLBERG;
‘regular’ ensemble of
DARNER SOCKS X SIMON MILLER. BLUE SANDALS, SIMON MILLER. SOCK SILOS:
jeans and a presentable

JEFFREY WESTBROOK. STYLED BY MARIANA VERA FOR HALLEY RESOURCES
but I like to call it top – just aren’t outfits. apologise for ever £110, G e o x
a soft spot. Whenever I venture being embarrassed by
So I’m thrilled outside into the real-life the idea that someone
to announce that, world, whether it’s to do could tell I was wearing lot of
a food shop or to live v ea
midway through socks. All the amazing, ha
the pandemic, my my best post-lockdown long-enough-to-be-seen related fe
st
c k- el
I ju
transformation into a life at the pub, I always styles I’ve accumulated so in

full-blown Sock Person put on real socks first. – shout-out to my fave
gs
,o
became complete. Now that the days of brands Happy Socks,

k
ay?
Now, without something stuffing visible ‘invisible’ Bombas and Richer

covering my feet, my hosiery into my shoes Poorer – deserve to be
outfits – consisting of are over, I’d like to witnessed. They don’t
leggings and oversized support the look, they
tees, or the occasional make the look.
Hi, have you heard of colour therapy?
There’s a reason you reach for that red shirt in your
wardrobe – and a reason you don’t
Wo r d s L AU R E N A D H AV
Y ou don’t
need me to
tell you that
an outfit can
be a whole
mood, and that clothes
can be a powerful form
of self-expression. But
– kind of like how sitting
next to the light of a sun
lamp during dark winter
what’s even cooler is mornings can help to
that the colours we alleviate some people’s
wear can secretly work symptoms of seasonal
some magic on our affective disorder.
emotional state. Our What each tone
minds subconsciously makes you feel depends
know this, too. And on where it sits on the
that’s the reason why rainbow spectrum (look
we often gravitate to the right for a cheat
towards specific shades sheet). Most of this
at specific times. Like comes from historical
last week, when you associations that
were feeling stuck and originated way back
(seemingly randomly) – I’m talking centuries
picked out that vivid ago – and are still
lime-hued top? Yeah, super embedded in
that might’ve been society today, says
because your brain Dawnn Karen, a fashion
was craving a subtle psychologist at New
serotonin hit from York City’s Fashion
being around green Institute of Technology.
and its oh-so-fresh, (And I really do mean
rejuvenating vibes. centuries ago: folks
Spooky, I know! But in ancient Egypt and
it’s also science: when Greece were already
mini receptors on your using various coloured
eyeballs take in a colour, stones, crystals and dyes
they shoot a signal to in their healing rituals.)
your brain that can Modern marketing
trigger an emotional and advertising firms
response. This is why have wielded the power
wearing a bright shade of colour, too, using
can enhance your mood it to prompt certain
responses or compel
purchases (and now you
know why car insurance
style
Wow, these
hues can do
A LOT for you
RED
WEAR IT FOR:
passionate vibes
H a t , £ 5 5,
shophoney
at Depop
ORANGE should consider colour

WEAR IT FOR:
therapy as a simple
lively energy method for temporarily
S h o e s , £ 3 2, N e x t
improving your state
of mind. The impact it
logos are typically blue, can have on your mood
YELLOW
evoking confidence and – and the moods of
WEAR IT FOR: stability). Workplaces those around you – is
h a p p y, j o y f u l f e e l s are in on it as well, F e e l i n g b l u e?
undeniable, says Karen.
Tr o u s e r s , £ 69.9 9, painting their offices, Wa l k a w a y f r o m Case in point: during
Iris Apfel x H& M say, violet to foster your neutrals the pandemic, Karen
feelings of creativity. in colour had a doctor who was
GREEN But all of this isn’t treating Covid patients.
just a sneaky way for of self-acceptance, To help lift her spirits
WEAR IT FOR: businesses to sway your while her purple ones during a devastating
a hopeful mood
feelings. Colour therapy will spark imagination time, Karen suggested
Tr a i n e r s , £ 3 5, is having a big moment and spirituality. ‘It’s she started wearing
Monki
right now because about taking a small yellow clothes. And the
designers – and the moment for yourself result? The doctor and
BLUE people who wear their each morning to be her patients reported
clothes – have realised like, “How do I want feeling happier.
WEAR IT FOR:
a sense of calm that anyone can get to feel?” And then All of which is to say
in on the action by picking out something that you may as well
Cardigan, £98,
House of Sunny intentionally choosing to put on that supports give colour therapy
what tones to wear. that feeling,’ says Julian. a try. At best, you’ll be
(Tbh, this couldn’t
PURPLE
be better timed, as
WEAR IT FOR:
all the creativit y
summer is the season Anyone can get in on
to go all out on brights
B a g , £ 69, J W P e i and lord knows that
we could all do with
the action by choosing
SHOPPING EDITOR: MADDY ALFORD. ILLUSTRATIONS: JADE PURPLE BROWN
PINK some mood-boosting

these days.)
what tones to wear
WEAR IT FOR: Lingerie designer
s e l f- a s s u r a n c e
Chloé Julian kept this Other designers, such more in tune with your
Hoodie, £28, in mind while creating as Roxanne Assoulin emotions; at worst,
River Island
her line Videris; she and Tanya Taylor, have you’ll look amazing
decided to narrow in released colour therapy in that hot-pink dress.
BROWN
on nine colours and collections of beaded Not a bad scenario at
WEAR IT FOR: their meanings. Julian bracelets and T-shirts all, right? So, what are
a warm aura hopes her rosy-pink respectively. you waiting for? Go
B r a l e t t e , £17, bras and underwear Obviously, wearing forth and start wearing
Gilly Hicks can prompt feelings specific colours isn’t your true colours.
a replacement for
actual mental health
treatment. Instead, you
HOW FASHION INSIDERS DO
TR ANSITIONAL Welcome to the most difficult season to dress for. Or what

we like to call Goldilocks season – hear us out. It’s too hot to wear
big winter coats and too cold to ditch your jeans for good. What
you need is an outfit that’s juuust right. So, it’s time to arm yourself
with versatile yet chic looks that can see you through any
weather. This is how those in the know do it
PALOMA
ELSESSER
Paloma’s two-tone
checked skirt, partially
unbuttoned crop
cardi and leather
KIM
overcoat combo oozes KARDASHIAN
between-seasons style. Kim pairs glossy
Also, that belt. outerwear like this
crimson jacket with thin
undergarments (think:
leotards) to balance
warmth with style.
WORDS: NATASHA HARDING. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES
NAOMI SHIMAD A
A masterclass in being ready
for whatever the British weather
throws at you. Naomi teams
her PVC hat with a boxy
jacket and cropped jeans.
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
style
ST YLE
HAILEY BIEBER
For an elevated get-up, add
a slouchy suit over the top
of your beach-vacay staples
like Hailey Bieber (think:
striped T-shirt, sunglasses,
trainers and gold
jewellery).
KENDALL
JENNER
Summer on the top,
winter on the bottom.
Kendall demonstrates
how to make your new
ZENDAYA
vest work even harder
Lightweight waterproof
in your wardrobe
coats are great for
(without overheating).
spring showers, worn
with wide-leg jeans and
a preppy 1970s-style
collar à la Zendaya
for extra points.
LIZZO DUA LIPA

Warm leather trousers Dua expertly teams her
complement a T-shirt with summer miniskirt and vest
cut-out detailing perfectly, with wintry accessories,
making this Lizzo look ideal
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
such as a tailored trench and

for pre-summer gigs. knee-high leather boots.
move
STRETCH YOUR BODY AND YOUR MIND
From 6 April you’ll notice a According to a Public Health have said the move could be
change when you go out to England survey, 80% of people triggering for some, and low
eat. Large restaurants, cafes are pleased with the idea and calorie doesn’t always mean
and takeaways (those with Diabetes UK found 60% of nutritious. Being healthy is
250-plus employees) will have people would be more likely to about more than numbers next
to display their calorie content, eat somewhere with labelling. to a piece of garlic bread. Here,
as the government plans to But it’s not clear-cut; eating two writers discuss the pros
‘crack down on obesity’. disorder charities such as Beat and cons of a nuanced topic...
‘FOR THOSE At the time of writing, I’m lazing on the

sofa, having just eaten a big wedge of
do big spoonfuls of peanut butter
and takeaway pizzas.
WITH EATING chocolate cake. The sickly sweet taste I’m extremely wary of calorie counts
acts as a reminder of how content I am. becoming mandatory on menus this
DISORDERS, I’m not worried about whether I’ve had month. The government claims the change
THE ALREADY too much sugar, fat or too many calories.
I’m grateful that I can savour a piece of
will ‘help the public to make healthier
choices when eating out’, but I fear that
OVERWHELMING cake without guilt and panic. Because using calories as a measure of a healthy
I haven’t always been able to. diet is missing the big picture. In my most
STRESS OF As a teenager, vulnerable because extreme period of counting calories, I
GOING TO A of problems at home and school, could barely leave the house. Now, I run
I descended into a dark place when around the park, I do yoga most days,
RESTAURANT it came to my relationship with food. I look in the mirror and appreciate the
Standing on bathroom scales and seeing body that carries me energetically through
WILL BE MADE a number much higher than the weights life. To imply that a calorie-controlled diet
EVEN WORSE’ of celebrities reported in the media at the
time, I clung to the hope that if I got
is automatically healthier just isn’t true.
I worry that for people living with eating
small enough, my life would get better. disorders, the already overwhelming stress
MEGAN I soon knew the calories of every food of going to a restaurant will be made even
item, categorising them as things I could worse. For those who, like me, have a
eat and things I wouldn’t touch (chocolate history of disordered eating, the numbers
cake being one). I lost weight, my periods on menus may be an unwelcome guest at
stopped, my hair thinned. I existed in the table, forcing us to think about calorie
a state of near-permanent lethargy and restrictions when we’ve worked hard to
cried in the car while my family ate a pub override that impulse. There’s also the risk
lunch. I hoped one day I’d feel satisfied it that people will make decisions based on
was all worth it, but that day never came. calories alone: skipping a full, nutritious
After one frustrating GP appointment meal in favour of a cookie and a glass
– he told me that I simply needed to eat of wine as they’re the same amount and
more – I never sought more professional one feels more enjoyable. Menus without
help and wasn’t diagnosed officially. calories will be available on request
Armed only with a will to get through my – which does acknowledge that the
A-levels and move away for uni, recovery figures aren’t needed or helpful for all
was a slow climb to a better place. Over – but having to ask to be spared of them
a period of a few years, I got better and, isn’t an ideal solution, in my opinion.
a decade later, I now enjoy a positive I’m not suggesting everyone should
relationship with food. I eat what I want, ignore calories. If they help you feel
when I want. I actively ignore calorie informed about your food choices, that’s
counts and recommended portion sizes totally fair. But what isn’t fair is calories
because I know what healthy looks like being thrust, unsolicited, upon everyone
for me. I fuel my body with nutritious who eats out, even if it risks their health
and colourful food – thick fruit and wellbeing. As for me? I’ll be scanning
smoothies and piled-high salads – past the calories on menus and ordering
which makes me feel great. But so food that I know will make me feel good.
move
‘ANYTHING THAT GIVES US MORE

KNOWLEDG E AND HELPS US MAKE
AN INFORMED DECISION ABOUT
WHAT WE PUT IN OUR BODIES SHOULD
BE A GOOD THING’ J E N N I
Growing up, my diet was pure beige: a car and if I didn’t fuel it correctly,
pizzas, instant mash and vanilla it wouldn’t be able to run efficiently.
milkshakes – until I got to university… That was five years ago and I’ve
when it shifted to pizzas, instant mash taken her advice to heart, implanting
and Strongbow. To say I was uneducated it more seriously since the start of the
about food and what a balanced diet pandemic. I’ve swotted up on nutrition,
looks like would be something of a exercise regularly and keep healthy eating
gigantic understatement. It’s only in the (and minimal alcohol) at the core of
past few years that I’ve consciously started everything I do. I feel so much better for it.
to think about what I’m putting in my I know calories are just one small part of
body – and it’s made a noticeable impact what makes up a balanced diet and that
on both my physical and emotional we shouldn’t be ruled by them, but when
wellbeing. With this in mind, being able you’re out and about, living a busy
to have everything up front on a menu so lifestyle, they’re an easy thing to glance
I can decide what works for me that day, at for a rough idea of what a healthier
rather than it being hidden, leaving me choice might be. I tend to like to check
guessing, is a welcome addition. the calorie content before going to
In the past, I’ve massively overeaten places, so this makes it easier. On
and got into a rut with ordering endless my food education journey, I’ve been
takeaways and doing minimal (read: surprised at the calorie content of some
WORDS: MEGAN SUTTON; JENNIFER SAVIN. PHOTOGRAPHY: BONNINSTUDIO/STOCKSY. ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH BRICK
zero) exercise. My mental health took items, too (even salads can be packed
a tumble – I’m an emotional eater with a with saturated fat, depending on the
‘treat yourself’ mentality after a bad day, dressing). Before, there were days
but when you’re depressed, every day is where I’d think that I was eating well
a bad day. And what I was putting in my and it turns out I absolutely wasn’t.
mouth wasn’t helping me at all. I noticed Obesity is a serious issue in my family; will look at reducing some of the fat
that too much sugar in particular really my dad recently suffered a stroke, a few and sugar content in their meals. Calorie
caused my mood swings to ramp up years after having a heart attack. Doctors labelling has been in the US since 2018
and my energy levels to slump. told him that losing weight will reduce the and while existing items on menus didn’t
Then there’s the accompanying decline chances of him falling ill again and I like change, new dishes introduced did have
in my physical health. My body felt to hope – albeit probably naively, as I less calories, on average.
bloated and various warning signs flared know there’s more to it – that seeing the I know that this is a hugely complex,
up, indicating that I wasn’t looking after calories in black and white while ordering sensitive matter. The government needs
myself. Everyone’s relationship with their a takeaway or grabbing a pub lunch to look into providing more accessible
body is different but, for me, this change might encourage him to make better exercise locations, mental health support
in how I looked and felt really dented my choices. Currently, my stomach drops and reducing the stigma attached to
confidence. Which, in turn, sent my whenever my phone rings, anticipating obesity, treating this as a holistic matter,
mental health on an even bigger spiral. further bad news, and I wish more than rather than just sticking calories on menus
Once, during an especially bad spell, anything that he’d make lifestyle changes. and thinking ‘done!’ – but it’s a step in
where I’d stopped taking care of myself, I Of course, he has to want to do that and the right direction. Anything that makes
remember having a breakdown (for many the frustrating thing about this menu us more knowledgeable about – and have
reasons) and my mum sitting at the end decision is that it puts so much onus on better control over – what we put into our
of the bed that I hadn’t left in four days, the individual to make healthier choices bodies should be seen as a good thing.
saying that as well as getting professional themselves, rather than addressing the
help, I needed to relearn some of the root cause: that unhealthy, fast food is If you’re worried about your own or someone
else’s health, you can contact Beat, the UK’s
basics – including how to sleep and eat. often the cheapest and easiest option. But eating disorder charity, on 0808 801 0677 or
She advised me to think of my body like with nowhere to hide, perhaps restaurants beateatingdisorders.org.uk
move
How weight training changed

my attitude to fitness forever
Who cares what you’re losing when you’re making all those gains?
It’s the shouting that Yet, I really wanted to lift has created a women-only 3
baffles me. Why would weights. It keeps your bones space where the emphasis is THINK OF IT AS
MEDITATION
I ever willingly put myself healthy and is good for your on training for joy. I signed
in a situation where I’m heart, metabolism, posture up to two sessions a week
Alongside the
told off? Yet, for so long, and sleep (and loads more). for three months and it intimidating gym dudes,
this seemed to be the only Plus, I wanted to do something ended up transforming the I was also afraid of going
way to strength train. Go regularly where I could see way I felt about exerise and into the weights room in
to a very loud class and improvement. My existing my body. Here’s why. case I injured myself. As
be told to ‘go hard or go mix of yoga, spinning and the Lift classes are small,
there’s always a trainer
home’. I went to a few. I boxing was so inconsistent
nearby to keep an eye
never went back. I tried the that I often felt like a beginner, on my form, which helps.
weights room at my gym, despite going to classes for But this isn’t the case for
but there it was less about years. That was when I found everyone, which is why
the shouting and more Lift Studio London, which Mimi and Danni advise
about the grunting – where (if you can’t afford a PT
session to learn the basics)
musclemen (who, hey, I’m
carefully watching YouTube
not slagging off, we all videos, starting light and
WORDS: CATRIONA INNES. PHOTOGRAPHY: LUCKY IF SHARP. PROPS: KETTLEBOOBS.CO.UK. FOR MORE INFO ON LIFT STUDIO LONDON VISIT LIFTSTUDIOLONDON.COM
have our hobbies) would with fewer reps, basically
take over the space, going as slow as possible.
leaving me feeling ‘I used to think of lifting as
intimidated because meditation,’ says Danni.
‘Just tuning in and being as
I didn’t know what I
conscious of my body as
was doing. possible.’ While Mimi adds,
‘You’re more likely to injure
yourself in a Bodypump
class (where it’s all about
speed) than if you practise
slowly on your own.’ As for
Want to start lifting those men? ‘They’re mostly
weights? Head to thinking about themselves,
cosmopolitan.com/ just pop your headphones
1
uk/start-weight- in and tune them out.’
WORK OUT FOR
THE JOY OF IT training for advice
from Alice Liveing.
About five years ago,
I ran a half marathon. I tried to goblet squat with
This should have been an the bar (weighing 12kg)
achievement, but I hated 2 across my shoulders and
myself the entire time. Why? YOU’LL LOOK AT got stuck on my way down.
Because I was exercising YOUR BODY I can now squat at 47kg.
D I FFER EN T LY I’d also never have dared
purely as a way to lose
weight. I was angry at to attempt a deadlift and
myself for not being as When I did that half began with 25kg, then
lithe as the other runners. Danni. ‘Sometimes, mental health. It really helps marathon, I was so angry progressed to 70kg (I still
This – say Mimi and Danni, people come to us to – dragging myself out of at my bum. I looked at its find that unbelievable to
who set up Lift Studio change their bodies, and bed at 5.30am (my regular shadow and thought, ‘God, type). I have no idea if I’ve
London – is common. building muscle is a way class was 6.45am) was that’s a lot to lug about.’ lost weight. Or if my body
Thanks to entrenched diet- to do that, but then they a lot easier if I told myself, But with strength training has changed. I’ve been
culture values, they have realise it gives them so ‘This will be fun, you’ll (and Lift’s philosophy of trying so hard to break
found clients would only much more.’ They’re keen listen to The Spice Girls looking at progress only away from that focus. But
choose workouts that they to encourage overall and laugh with people,’ in terms of what you ‘gain’, now, when I look in the
thought would change their wellbeing and want people rather than, ‘Go on, you as in how much heavier mirror, I think, ‘Damn, that
body. ‘We set up the studio to come to classes for a have to, you lazy slob.’ It’s you’re lifting), I view my ass can lift a lot,’ and it
to create a space where variety of reasons, from about approaching exercise body in a totally different makes me strut with a little
exercise is enjoyable,’ says making new friends to with joy, not punishment. way. In my first session, bit more confidence.
move
Life in
to back up what I was
going to say to my GP.
my
It took six months to
get a diagnosis, but
I now understand how
my brain works and
know how to manage
body...
traits that could get in
my way. Anyone with
ADHD will tell you it’s
easy to get caught up in
your thoughts and lose
track of time, so writing
lists or setting alarms
make a big difference.
I’m not on medication
with for ADHD; I’m trying to

manage my symptoms
by making changes
attention deficit to my lifestyle. I might

change my mind in the
hyperactivity
future, but for now I’m
doing okay. There are
still things I struggle to
disorder
control, such as my
hyperactivity, which
makes me crave change.
Heather Cox, 26, a teaching assistant from It’s one of the reasons
s
I dye my hair or give
south London, shares the ups and downs of myself an impromptu
being an adult with ADHD fringe (which I then later
regret). I also find myself
itting in the release the pent-up to see these talking over others in
staff meeting, energy. ‘I could run a traits in some conversations, which
I click my pen marathon now,’ I think. of the kids, I people sometimes
repeatedly. I know the But instead, I try to pace realised I might misinterpret as rudeness.
others are staring at me, myself as I walk towards have ADHD. Luckily, I have a lot of
but I can’t help it. Click. the cafeteria for lunch. Growing up, understanding friends
Click. If I stop, I won’t be I’ve always been my symptoms who know this isn’t the
able to concentrate on a fidgeter. An easily were missed. case, but I worry that
what the headteacher is distracted daydreamer. The lateness, when I meet new people
saying – I’ll only be able In my own school days, the inability to sit still – about ADHD, because they’ll just think I’m an
to think about the prickly I lost count of how many it was all just ‘part of I knew it would be hard arsehole, which I’m not.
energy racing through teachers told my parents, my personality’. Which, to get diagnosed. I even Although I’m still
my body, urging my ‘Heather spends too until my early twenties, found old school reports learning how to handle
fingers and feet to move. much time looking out I believed to be true. – where teachers had it, I’m rather fond of the
When the meeting of the window.’ When I started reading up, noted my inability to ways ADHD has actually
ends, I jump out of my I became a teaching and scoured everything concentrate – to ensure brightened up my life
seat, finally able to assistant and started on the NHS website I had the necessary facts – or at least my hair.
Write it down Find time to wind down Curating social feeds

AS TOLD TO JADE BIGGS
W H AT Listing what I need to do has been My brain works on overdrive, At times I feel isolated, so following
a game-changer. It acts as a point especially if I’ve had a fidgety day. others with ADHD has helped me
HELPS
of reference if I get distracted, and Making sure I take time out of social accept who I am. My favourite is
H E AT H E R the rush of dopamine I get when situations and have a good night’s @adhd_alien – her cartoons have
I tick something off is motivating af. sleep allows me to recharge. made me realise that I’m not alone.
move
Is it time to go
START
You’ve had a big night out with

one too many glasses of house
vegan? You’re on a latte run.
white. How do you feel when a If you love animals and the planet but can’t Do you opt for oat
bacon sandwich is put in front milk (or similar)?
of you the following day? imagine life without feta or Chinese chicken
She’s perfect.
balls, let this flow chart be your guide... No way. Absolutely,
Urgh, pass me That extra 50p it even
the sick bucket She’s beautiful. charge is, quite tastes better.
immediately. She looks like frankly, criminal.
Linda Evangelista.
(Basically, you’re
very pleased.)
g towa
pin rd
tip
s
e
ve
It’s 1am and you’ve fallen into Hypothetical scenario: Tom
l you b
g a n i s m?
a Netflix hole and somehow Hardy calls you saying he’ll
settled on a documentary about provide you with a new car and
Wil
dairy farming and our steadily chauffeur you around in it all

dying planet. Are you week – but only if you promise
traumatised or not? to give up chicken nuggets
forever. Considering it?
My pillow is I mean, it’s not

slightly damp and the nicest doc, Big love to you, Done.
I’m frantically but I’ll be fine Tom, but no. Those Goodbye, my
googling ‘best in five minutes. nugs will forever nuggety pals,
vegan snacks’. have my heart. it’s been real.
A herbivore TikToker has you

semi-sold on their smoothie Oh, you’ve already hopped
recipes and homemade on the meal-prep hype?
cauliflower hot wings. But Congratulations! Now, tell us,
have you actually tried to what protein are you grabbing
make them at home? to fill those boxes?
WORDS: MEGAN UY. ADDITIONAL REPORTING: JENNIFER SAVIN. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES
Who has the Yes, my fridge A fat slab Deliciously
time, please? is packed full of salmon versatile tofu,
Who?! of bunny- just feels… or a veggie
friendly food. so right. burger. Yum!
SKIP STRAIGHT SAY YES TO N OT Q U I T E Y E T, 100% BONA

TO VEGAN THE VEG MY FRIEND FIDE CARNIVORE
Go forth and conquer with nut You don’t feel ready to give Seeing as fish can be friends Focus on quality over quantity.
milks, cashew cheese, jackfruit up on cheese, we hear you. and food, you’re probably better Animals that lived happy,
‘pulled pork’ nachos and plant- So try vegetarian. Repeat off living the pescatarian life healthy, cage-free lives
based ready meals. Vegan after us: ‘Hold the ham on for now. You can always try on sustainable farms are
aisle, here you come! my eggs Benedict, please.’ going full-on veggie later. better for all of us.
move
Try before
Serving up
some sunshine
you train...
tennis
shoes
On or off the court, these are the tennis
shoes the Cosmo team are coveting
Game, set,
match
Asics Women’s Court FF 2 Clay, £155 New Balance FuelCell 996v4.5, £105 Gola Classics Women’s Grandslam
Because of their sock-like design, it felt like Despite being an avid player, I’ve never had Trident Trainers, £80
a warm-up just trying to put them on (even after a dedicated pair of tennis shoes. My regular I usually opt for a classic court-style trainer, so
sizing up), but once I got on the court, all prior trainers for running and HIIT workouts are fine, I was reeled in by this comfy pair. The chic colour
struggles were forgotten. The fit felt comfortable right? Yes and no. When I played in these, palette is way more fun than the classic white
and no matter what direction I went in, or at I understood the importance of decent bounce, while still feeling like a wardrobe staple for an
what speed I charged towards the ball, their grip a good grip for changing direction and a nice everyday look. In a bid to be more sustainable,
kept me firmly on my feet. The compliments on cushion to be kind to your knees. They’re the upper part of the shoe is made from 80%
their sleek look were a nice bonus, too. lightweight, comfortable and supportive, too. recycled PU, which makes me love them more.
C o u r t n e y, f a s h i o n a s s i s t a n t D u s t y, a c t i n g e n t e r t a i n m e n t e d i t o r S o p h i e, h e a d of s o c i a l
We l o v e
Wimbledon
white
Reebok x Prince Club C Revenge

Shoes, £85
Filled with tennis heritage, the Reebok x Prince
PHOTOGRAPHY: REEBOK X PRINCE
collab is pure retro joy. While this vibrant

yellow pair might not be the usual colour I’d
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic, £57 go for, with the right outfit they’d be a *look*.
I’m obsessed. A Kate Middleton favourite, these shoes are simple, elegant and incredibly comfy Comfort-wise, they’re a dream, and the top
to wear all day long, despite the lack of arch support. They’re flattering paired with mom jeans shell is nice and bendable, if you do decide
and midi skirts and would look stylish with shorts and mini dresses, too – a perfect spring/summer to hit the court after all.
staple. Made from cotton and rubber, they’re 100% biodegradable and really easy to wash. E m i l y, a c t i n g ju n i o r w r i t e r a n d
Z o e, a c t i n g e x e c u t i v e e d i t o r (d i g i t a l ) editorial assistant
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Don’t
bet on it
The odd flutter becoming
a hard-to-quit habit?
GambleAware can help
It starts off innocently as a few pounds
here and there. And then it becomes more
frequent. £10 turns into £100, which
quickly increases to £200. But it’s okay,
it’s just a little fun and you’re in total control.
You know what you’re doing and could stop
immediately if you wanted to, right? Sadly,
for many women across the UK, controlling
their gambling can prove too difficult.
Traditionally, gambling has been seen
as a more male issue – popping into the
bookies and gambling on a horse race or
football game, or grabbing a scratch card
at the corner shop is viewed by many as
a harmless hobby. But as online gambling
is becoming a popular pastime, there is
a concern that uncontrollable gambling
is becoming a rising, yet overlooked,
problem – especially for women.
New research by charity GambleAware
shows that up to one million women could
be at risk of their gambling habits having
a detrimental effect on their day-to-day lives. YOU’RE NOT ALONE
And the perceived stigma around it means ‘It was a way of escaping real life and filling Remember
two in five of those experiencing severe harm a void. It was never really about the money,’
may refrain from seeking help or treatment. explains Tracy, who sought help when that gambling
There could be a host of reasons why
women start playing online gambling
gambling began to have an negative
impact on her life. And she’s not the only
problems don’t
games, traffic for which increases by almost
a third between December and March,
one, as Jemima, who became a mum at
a young age, says she saw online gambling
happen through
compared to the rest of the year. The lure as a form of escapism. ‘It was time to close personal choice
of financial gain is one factor – especially off from the world around me and I could
considering the impact of the global do it anywhere – standing in a supermarket But how do you know how to spot the
WORDS: LUCY PARTINGTON
pandemic. Furlough, reduced hours and queue or waiting for my son to come out signs? Maybe you’re losing track of what’s
redundancy have had a crippling effect on of school,’ she reveals. ‘When I did going on around you whenever you
many – through no fault of their own. Plus, eventually seek support from somebody gamble. In this case, it’s important to set
the ease of accessing gambling sites on who had struggled with the same issues, a time limit. Chances are that the longer
a smartphone can make them hard to resist. I felt inspired to get my life back.’ you spend playing, the more money you’ll
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
OW THE
KN
signs of
SEEKING HELP gambling getting
It’s true that gambling behaviours manifest out of hand
differently in women compared to men,
as Liz Karter MBE, an addiction counsellor,
explains. ‘The easy availability of online
1
gambling leads many women to websites LO S I N G TRACK OF TI M E
that appear innocent and socially This is a common thing to be
acceptable,’ she states. ‘The games aware of, especially if you find the
on those sites seem safe and familiar, hours you’re spending playing are
especially as they are so similar to the passing by particularly quickly, or if
free digital ones we’re all used to.’ you’re counting down to the next
Of course, not all gambling leads to harm time you can get online.
and some people can enjoy it and walk
away. But, as Liz explains, it’s vital that
we’re aware of the early warning signs. 2
‘Look out for losing track of time, incurring
increasing debts, a tendency to hide the S P E N DI N G TOO M U CH
habit from the people around you or Gambling websites, bookies
gambling to forget problems,’ she says. and apps are businesses:
And even if it’s something that doesn’t they exist to make profit,
apply to you directly, it could be impacting so only spend what you can
the life of a close friend or family member. afford to lose.
That’s why it’s important to be aware of
the signs; that way you can offer support
to somebody affected, who’s maybe too 3
scared to seek help themselves, or perhaps K E E P I N G I T A S E CRE T
doesn’t recognise that anything is wrong. Gambling can negatively impact
In those cases, it’s about empathising and your life, and keeping it secret
learning to understand what they’re going may lead to feelings of shame.
through. Withhold judgement and try It could also cause an increase
to refrain from blaming either them or in stress and anxiety levels.
yourself, especially if they may have lied
to you because of it, or if you feel hurt or
betrayed by their actions.
Remember that gambling problems don’t 4
happen through personal choice. It’s also FE E L I N G I RRI TA B L E
lose. It’s vital to take frequent breaks, too; important to realise that not everybody Noticing a mood shift when you
mostly because it’s easy to get carried will even recognise that they have an issue actively try to stop (maybe you
away, and time spent continuously – it’s common to convince yourself that become irritable or more restless
gambling can cause you to lose track of everything is under control, even if it’s not. than normal) is a common
perspective. Plus, if you start to notice that Ensure your loved one knows that your sign to look out for.
your mood changes whenever you aren’t concern is coming from a place of care,
doing it, you’re finding the thought of it and that you want nothing but the best for
all-consuming or you’re wondering when
your next chance to get online will be, it
them. Choose your words wisely, and try to
remain positive instead of being critical or
5
could be time to reassess your relationship confrontational. You can be someone’s way CH A S I N G LO S S E S
with gambling and seek help. out when they don’t think there are any left. Much like losing track of money,
‘Those who gamble sometimes face you might also find yourself
a unique stigma,’ says Jemima. ‘It’s helpful The National Gambling Helpline is constantly trying to ‘win back’ what
to see more and more women coming available 24/7 on 0808 8020 133 you’ve lost by gambling even more.
forward to share their stories, and I hope or visit begambleaware.org for free,
it will empower others to do the same.’ confidential advice and support
C o s m o p o l i t a n p r o m o t i o n f o r Te a c h i n g
Meet Q&A
the
teacher
Drama and theatre studies teacher
Otis Gardner talks High School
Musical and mental wellbeing
In the last of our series really loved drama

about teachers’ lives because it taught me to
– both in and out of the be present, to speak out
classroom – we speak and to think creatively.
to 27-year-old Otis That’s what I want to
Gardner, a drama and instil in my students.’
theatre studies teacher
from Manchester, about What was it like
how he uses yoga to to teach a class for an hour before work. range of different styles What do you love
encourage his students for the first time? I get into school at but Bikram [hot yoga] about your job?
to prioritise their mental ‘It was an adrenaline about 7.15am and is my favourite. It’s ‘You can make a real
health and wellbeing. rush. I felt I could really lessons start at 8.20am. a chance to get away difference to young
own that space I teach up to six classes from my phone, switch people’s lives and
Why did you decide and start to a day. School finishes off and totally reset.’ help them achieve
to go into teaching? think about at 3pm but much their potential. You
‘Growing up, I had who I of my job Does your hobby get students who won’t
some challenging wanted is extra- help in the make eye contact at the
times and school was to be as curricular, classroom? start of the year, then
often my only bit of a teacher. so I’ll ‘Yoga teaches you suddenly, their hand is
stability. So, I wanted to That usually to acknowledge how up and they’re answering
help make a difference teacher run an you’re feeling and in class. That progress
WORDS: ALISON LYNCH. PHOTOGRAPHY: JENNIFER JUKES
to students who perhaps persona after- that’s something is so rewarding to see.’

don’t have the best is definitely school I try to pass on to
home life – to help them something club, then my students. You
along the right path.’ you develop catch up on have a lot of social If you’re interested in
over time, bringing emails. I leave by pressure on you at learning more about a
What appeals about your best qualities 5pm unless we’re secondary school, so career in teaching and
teaching drama? to the job.’ rehearsing for a play.’ it’s really important that the training options
‘I was a bit of a Troy we talk to them about available, search
Bolton [Zac Efron’s What’s your typical How do you unwind mental health – and ‘Get Into Teaching’
character in High School school day like? outside of school? I can use what I’ve
Musical] at school. ‘I wake up at 5am so ‘I do a lot of yoga and learnt from yoga to
I enjoyed PE but also that I can go to the gym meditation. I enjoy a start that conversation.’
earn
WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER
The silent
workplace bias
The glass ceiling. The glass cliff.
There are so many barriers for women
in the world of work, but for women
of colour, there are even more. Here’s
how to spot and overcome them…
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Wo r d s
YA S M I N A F LOY E R
L e t ’s s t a r t t h e
conversation
During one of my teaching

placements when I was in my 31%* of Black and minority ethnic
early twenties, a few colleagues (BME) women reporting that they’ve

either been unfairly passed over for
taunted me during lunchtimes a promotion or denied one altogether.

Some people might think that plenty
by waving food in my face.

of progress has already been made to
help women succeed – the introduction
of equal-opportunities legislation and
The reason they found this hilarious, impacting people across the country. a steady improvement in maternity pay
you see, was because I was observing In September 2021, gender equality – but it isn’t enough. Yes, we all face
Ramadan, which meant that I didn’t eat charity The Fawcett Society conducted gender-based oppression, but there are
or drink during daylight hours. I was research alongside UK race and equality sub-groups of women who face multiple
hungry, thirsty and exhausted, yet these think tank Runnymede Trust to explore systemic issues. That is, where our gender
staff members never tired of tormenting the barriers faced by women of colour intersects with race, faith, sexuality, age,
me. Others watched on, but nobody in the workplace. Across the public and ability and class – leaving us at an added
spoke up – it was ‘just banter’. If I got private sectors, women of colour are disadvantage. And, without discussing
upset, ‘I couldn’t take a joke’. In the end, almost non-existent in positions of power, intersectionality and problems faced by
I spent my lunchtimes walking into town, yet they’re over-represented in entry-level Black and brown women, the dialogue
regardless of what the winter weather positions. Women make up just 6% of around inclusivity and diversity falls short.
threw at me. This experience left me FTSE 100 CEOs – and none of them are So what can be done? Well, we can begin
feeling uncomfortable in my own place women of colour. Not to mention that by looking at four of the main issues that
of work – and, sadly, this isn’t unique people from ethnic minorities must send face women of colour in the workplace
to me. Racial stereotypes, unconscious 60% more job applications to receive to start the conversation – and then we
bias and white cultural expectations are a positive response from an employer must keep it going…
than white British candidates. This trend
is seen in career progression, too, with
earn
UNCONSCIOUS BIAS RACIAL STEREOTYPES
We all have biases. I instantly like We all know what I had to prove myself to – and that wasn’t
anyone who reminds me of my stereotypes are – they’re be brilliant at all times. what she expected.
brothers and dislike anyone who everything from assuming I worried about being ‘I was a professional,
says that they don’t like books. all girls play with dolls seen as even more of hard-working member
‘Unconscious bias is holding ideas to thinking all men are an outsider if I ever of the team, yet this
about groups or individuals with obsessed with football. expressed a need comment came up
a shared characteristic – such as It might be easy to think for some support. again and again,
race, gender or sexuality – without they’re harmless, but they For Black women with my final report
knowing it,’ explains Melanie Eusebe, happen to people of in white-dominated deeming me to be a
co-founder of the Black British Awards. colour all the time – and workplaces, stereotypes “shy person” (I’m not
There are many types of unconscious can seriously affect how we can lead to them having shy),’ Jocelyn explains.
bias and because they take place act, which in the workplace to behave in a way
subconsciously, we’re all susceptible can impact opportunities that’s unnatural to their What can be done?
to forming them. There’s ageism and (and our day-to-day personalities, with the It’s exhausting trying
gender bias, but affinity bias is also happiness). ‘loud Black woman’ to be something
a big problem. It causes us to favour I once had a colleague stereotype causing you’re not all the
those with whom we feel a connection say that she was surprised them to act extroverted time. ‘Lean into
due to similarities we see between us, my husband is white, as – even when they’re your introversion,
such as a shared hometown, accent she’d assumed I’d have not. During her review, understand your
or university. In the workplace, when an ‘arranged marriage Jocelyn, 24, who attributes and really
companies refer to hiring candidates to someone from your works in corporate try to embrace what
who will be a ‘cultural fit’, there’s own background’. The governance, was asked makes you special.
a threat that affinity bias may come assumptions made me feel by a woman on her If we’re allowed to
into play. This bias can take place as isolated in an already team if she was ‘okay’ communicate, create,
early as the application process and small department. I felt because she was ‘quiet’ meet, present, connect
Nicky, 30, witnessed it firsthand. ‘I’ve and lead in the way
experienced microaggressions even at that’s most comfortable
interviews,’ the property professional for us, everyone wins,’
says. ‘I have a British-sounding name advises Jeri Bingham,
so when employers see my CV, strong host of HushLoudly,
skill set and the companies I’ve worked a podcast dedicated
for, you can tell they’re shocked that to amplifying the
I’m a Black woman when I show up.’ voices of introverts.
For more advice on
What can be done? how to navigate this
Companies must face up to the issue. form of stereotyping,
The Fawcett Society suggests ‘employers Rene Germain’s article
should reject non-diverse shortlists, draft Why We Need To
job specifications in a more inclusive Embrace Introverted
way, have diverse interview panels and Black Women In The
remove any unnecessary data, including Workplace is online at
name and race, from shortlists.’ cosmopolitan.com/uk/
Aspects such as gender and race are worklife/careers.
deemed protected characteristics – it’s And if you’re facing
illegal to discriminate against an other forms of racial
individual based on this. stereotyping at work,
If you think you’ve been unfairly reach out to your
discriminated against, contact your HR department to
local Citizens Advice Bureau or Acas, see if the issue can
an independent body that offers free, be resolved as a
impartial advice on employment rights. workplace dispute.
Further advice can
be found at gov.uk.
earn
IMPOSTER SYNDROME
Workers who
come from Black,
Asian, mixed-race There’s a lot of chat surrounding
and minority ethnic imposter syndrome and it can seem
backgrounds are paid like almost everyone has experienced
84%* of what their it to one degree or another, but it can
white counterparts affect women from ethnically diverse
earn.
backgrounds in different ways from
their white female counterparts.
For women of colour, a pervasive
feeling that you’re an imposter isn’t
necessarily something that comes
from within – it can stem from
deeper societal issues, external
factors (eg, racial bias) and systemic
oppression. The silencing of people
of colour at work can perpetuate
imposter syndrome, too. ‘Imposter
syndrome goes hand in hand with
gaslighting and our colonial past.
Being considered as inferior and the
idea that we should be thankful to
be in the UK is a message we receive
overtly and covertly, and impacts
how we are treated,’ explains clinical
psychologist Dr Sabinah Janally.
PHOTOGRAPHY: SERGEY FILIMONOV / STOCKSY UNITED; JEFFREY WESTBROOK / STUDIO D. *SOURCES: TRADES UNION CONGRESS; PEOPLE LIKE US
What can be done?

It’s down to those in positions of power
to diversify workplaces and provide
training on unconscious bias. This is
a key step in tackling the external
elements that fuel imposter thinking
and discriminate against people of
colour. Plus, if as women of colour we
also have an understanding of these
external factors, it allows us to gain
confidence working within them. Career
coach Sunita Harley suggests focusing
WHITE CULTUR AL EXPECTATIONS on your strengths is a good way to do
this. ‘Think about which skill or task is
Dressing professionally wearing my natural hair. amplified even more. making you feel like an imposter, then
in the workplace is an I wear a wig because ‘I’ve been called all ask a friend to remind you about all
expectation, yet what is it fits with looking types of things,’ the wonderful skills that you have.’
deemed ‘professional’ “presentable” to my Hanan tells me. ‘One
creates grey areas in which white counterparts.’ colleague referred to What can be done?
microaggressions can Inclusive strategist me as the “freak” and, Hanan suggests finding
thrive. In her workplace, Hanan Challouki in another company, allies at work. ‘It’s tricky,
Nicky routinely faces founded Inclusified to my hijab was called because these are not
invasive questions about work with companies “the elephant in the “our” issues, but we
the texture of her hair. to help them adopt a room”. I often felt like have to solve them.
‘I’m seen as different or more inclusive mindset. the outsider – and not Find colleagues who
strange,’ she tells me. For women who wear because of my hijab, saw the discrimination,
‘I feel like I have to fit in a hijab in the workplace, but because people and who can support
with European standards. the risk of faith-based made such a big you when you’re ready
I’d never feel comfortable discrimination is deal out of it.’ to address it.’
IS IT TIME TO
We decoded what you need to know
AN
M
D
O
O
G
CA
SI
JES
Wo r d s
Who wants
to be a
c r y p t o n a i r e?
I do
earn
Some
crypto
It’s not weird at all cryptocurrencies and biggies use trading apps such
to be very intrigued by updates to existing ones as Coinbase or Kraken.
the idea of becoming in circulation (for roll out, you might BITCOIN Once you do, forget
a Bitcoin billionaire – example, there will start to see speedier The most famous about it. Seriously. Don’t
even if you’re unclear only ever be 21 million transaction times. kind has been around
touch those coins for at
for 13 years; its price
on how, er, any of it bitcoins). In other cases, least five to 10 years.
(at time of going to
actually works. It is such as Ethereum, Once you’ve bought print, £27,210.38 for ‘The longer you hold it,
confusing. But as it’s there’s no max on how it, leave it alone. one bitcoin) is so the better chance it has
also not going away many coins can be Like people who buy high because of its of doing well,’ says
any time soon, here’s created by a currency’s stock in buzzy new limited supply. Yang. Partly because
the lowdown on ‘bank’. Almost all companies, many most investments work
ETHEREUM
everything crypto. crypto exchanges use crypto investors snap like that but also because
Its blockchain works
their own version of up coins to (hopefully) faster than Bitcoin’s, experts think the crypto
The crypto overlord something called make money over the so you can use it to world will stabilise over
is a computer. blockchain software, (very) long term. The buy non-fungible time. But remember,
First, this kind of cash which records who’s rewards could be major, tokens, or NFTs, like nothing is guaranteed…
comes in the form buying and who’s but – but! – take note: digital art. One coin
= roughly £1,819.45.
of intangible digital selling in a super-hard- crypto is ‘extremely It’s also fine to just
units (aka you can’t to-hack way. volatile’, says De Filippi, CARDANO chill for now.
mostly because its value At just 78p per Listen, if you can swing
isn’t based on anything, coin, Cardano it, buying coins isn’t
FYI, cryptocurrency ’s well, real. At least, not claims to have the that terrible an idea
‘real’ in the way stock most energy-efficient (assuming you follow
value isn’t based values are based on blockchain in
the game.
the rules on this page).
how IRL businesses But if it all seems way
on anything ‘real’ perform. The value DOGECOIN too adventurous for
of a cryptocurrency is Founded in 2013, your bank account right
based solely on what this one is based on now, you don’t have to
people are willing to the infamous meme get stuck in that FOMO
physically touch them) You can’t use it pay for it, in the hopes of a Shiba Inu dog. spiral. Even seasoned
In stark contrast to
often called tokens or like IRL money. it’ll become huge. So financial advisers aren’t
Bitcoin, Dogecoin
coins. Unlike traditional I’m going to bet five basically, don’t invest is intentionally sure what the future
paper money, they’re bitcoins that your local any money that you’re abundant – with of crypto could look
not issued by a central coffee shop does not not prepared to lose, 10,000 new coins like: it’s pretty much
bank. But kind of like accept crypto. But even says Yang. If you do mined every minute the Wild West out there.
traditional paper if you did try to pay for have enough cash to and a total supply If you want a solid,
money, there are lots of one quadrillion.
your soya flat white with take the risk, you can safer way to invest
of different currencies digital currency, it could your cash, put it into
out there, says Primavera take up to an hour to an ISA (which means
De Filippi, a faculty go through because it’s protected from
associate at the the computers using UK tax) or maybe start
Berkman Klein Center blockchain have to a pension fund and
for Internet and Society work really effing hard you’ll be just fine.
at Harvard University. to process payments,
In some cases, there’s according to financial
a set, limited amount expert Humphrey Yang.
of a cryptocurrency Oh, and you’d have
to pay not-cheap
processing fees, too.
As newer forms of
earn
Still got crypto

questions?
Yep, us too. The internet is full of info on crypto,
but beware – there’s a lot of misinformation out
there. Try to cross-reference and double-check
everything you read. We turned to Anna-Sophie
Hartvigsen, co-founder of Female Invest, a
platform committed to empowering women to
achieve financial success, to answer our niggling
questions. Consider this your cheat sheet to
keep up if everyone’s talking crypto at a party…
Just mining
We know that crypto Billionaire my own
is ‘volatile’, but what Elon Musk is business
does that really mean? a key crypto

‘The worry about crypto figure and
investment is that you can – with just
lose huge sums very quickly. one action
As we entered February, or statement – he can impact transactions. If you buy
ADDITIONAL REPORTING: ALICE SNAPE. COLLAGE: ADAM HALE, THE DAILY SPLICE. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES. PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT
the means to move vast
a single bitcoin was worth your investment overnight. crypto via a platform and funds around the world
£28,593 and a single For example, Musk promoted that platform folds, or the undetected. Many hackers
Dogecoin was 11p. In the Dogecoin on all his socials, transaction is somehow who attack businesses ask
past year, Bitcoin’s value has but then apparently caused the mismanaged and the crypto to be paid in cryptocurrency
been as high as £49,800 price of it to dip by nearly 30% fails to materialise, you as it’s untraceable. The other
and as low as £22,600, with after he made an awkward joke have almost no one to ethical issue comes from
Dogecoin starting life at less on US TV show Saturday Night complain to and there are the digital coalface where
than a penny and peaking at Live, which made investors sell few laws on your side to vast amounts of electricity
49p. Making the right calls their stock. UK investors, stuck get the investment back.’ are used to power huge
at the right time during 2021 in another time zone, woke computer farms involved in
could have netted a very tidy up to find that a single Musk Are there any mining new crypto. This
profit; however, £1,000 worth action had crashed their ethical implications? process – in which a bitcoin
of dogecoin bought when it investment overnight.’ ‘There are several ethical is awarded to a computer
was valued at 49p would now arguments made against that solves a complex series
be worth around £300.’ Okay, but is my money crypto. First, due to its of algorithm – is deeply
protected at all? lack of regulation and the energy-intensive. The output
What can affect its value? ‘It’s an entirely unregulated difficulty in tracking its associated with Bitcoin alone
‘It’s an industry powered by market and not protected peer-to-peer transactions, is now equal to the carbon
impulse, rumour and the like normal financial it provides criminal and footprint of Argentina.’
word of just a few key figures. terror organisations with
El Salvador Bitcoins are stored You need to be One man threw

Only 21 million
adopted Bitcoin in a digital wallet careful where out his Bitcoin
bitcoin can ever
WEIRD as legal tender be produced, – either on a hard you use bitcoins. hard drive after
in 2021, so all drive or the web. Some countries spilling water
FACT S TO shops had to
which means
About 20% of all – such as Bolivia, on it… and lost
that the last coin
£210m. Now
IMPRESS accept it. This is estimated to bitcoins are lost, Bangladesh
he’s begging
caused riots, be mined by too. Some are and Ecuador –
YO U R price crashes 2140. Only 118 stuck in a wallet have banned to be allowed
and technical as lost passwords their usage. to search for it
M AT E S glitches, too.
years to go.
can’t be reset. in the landfill.
earn
5
FAST
LESSONS
How to network
like a pro
On screen or off, you can still meet people in your industry. We show you how…
Remember that scene in Bridget Jones’s Diary: ‘Do you The Chemistry Club, which organises professional
know… where the toilets are?’ If your attempts at small online networking events, it’s possible to create
talk are similar, you’re not alone – but you can change connections, whether you’re at an event or at
your style. And, according to Mark Simon, founder of home. Here’s how to be a conversational pro...
TIDY YOUR FOCUS ON

ONLINE OTHERS
APPEARANCE When we’re nervous, we
The future of networking talk too much. Counteract
looks as though it’ll this by asking questions –
remain a hybrid of real- also a great tactic if you’re
life events and meeting uncomfortable talking
online, says Simon – think about yourself. ‘“Have
booths connected to you been to one of these
Zoom chats, alongside events before?” is a good
name tags and mingling way to start. It’s about
over drinks. ‘When you’re hitting tennis balls over
speaking to somebody the net until you get one
over a video call, back.’ Simon adds that
standing up will make you picking up on cues (eg,
seem alert and engaged.’ ‘You said you work in
Make sure you’re well- Bristol, which part?
lit and that you speak My sister is based there.’)
clearly too. will help build rapport.
VISIT THECHEMISTRY.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ONLINE NETWORKING EVENTS
PRETEND YOU’RE BE IN THE

THE HOST MOMENT
AS TOLD TO JENNIFER SAVIN. PHOTOGRAPHY: SEAN LOCKE/STOCKSY.
If the thought of walking Networking becomes

into a business event solo TAKE SM ALL STEPS plainer sailing if it’s the
(IRL or online) fills you Striking up conversation with a stranger can only thing you have to
with dread, it’s likely your feel daunting, so set yourself achievable focus on. ‘Shelve any
reluctance will be obvious objectives, says Simon. ‘Start with a free deadline stress, or the bad
to everyone else, says local event; tell yourself that you’ll stay for day you’ve had, before
Simon. ‘Don’t go into an hour and speak with three people,’ meeting new people,’ says
it negatively. Instead, he advises. ‘Dipping a toe will give your Simon. Taking some deep
pretend you’re the host. confidence a chance to grow.’ If you spot breaths and recalibrating
Keep the benefits, such as a chatting group, who aren’t too closely before the event will work
potentially meeting a new huddled together, simply ask, ‘Hi, do you mind wonders. When speaking,
friend in your industry or if I join you?’ then introduce yourself (first maintain eye contact and
making an in-road at your name only) with a brief explanation of your open body language (don’t
perfect company, at the role, eg, ‘I’m Sarah, I work in fashion buying,’ cross your arms over your
forefront of your mind.’ or, ‘I’m Ashley, I’m a new graduate and chest or look at your feet).
would love a career in marketing.’
The Rise and Rise
of Sydney Sweeney
Euphoria. The White Lotus. Next stop? World domination.
WORDS BY JESSICA GOODMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSEFINA SANTOS FASHION BY CASSIE ANDERSON
S
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S
celebrity
Sydney ended up reading my book – a high-school murder mystery

– and flying to New York to talk to me about buying the rights. Now
she’s turning it into an HBO Max series called The Players Table,
starring herself and IRL best friend Halsey. Like I said: life, changed.
Along the way, Sydney’s been transforming her own life. She’s
been optioning a slew of projects through her up-and-very-much-
running company Fifty-Fifty Films, writing screenplays and solidifying
her spot as a next-gen A-list actor in movies such as Once Upon
A Time In Hollywood, erotic thriller The Voyeurs, Netflix vampire
flick Night Teeth and in the latest season of Euphoria, in which her
already nuanced character has gone to even more complex places.
She dives deep into all her projects by creating what she calls
‘character bibles’, backstories and inner lives that can often take
months to catalogue. (‘There are characters I love, and there are
characters I’m scared of – those are the good ones,’ she explains.)
It’s a process that wouldn’t surprise anyone who really knows her.
This is, after all, the same woman who, as a pre-teen, convinced
her family to move from Spokane, Washington to Los Angeles via
a PowerPoint presentation that included a five-year plan for how
she’d become an actor. ‘I love something that feels like a challenge,’
Sydney says in our interview. The more daunting, the better.
Actors seem to wait for decades before getting involved with

the industry’s business side. Did you know how to get started?
I’m obsessed with branding and marketing. I love the idea of being
like, ‘Okay, I love this project, how can I make this consumable to
a mass market?’ So I called my agents and asked them, ‘Do you
think this is something I can achieve?’ They’ve always believed in
everything I put my mind to, so they supported me and sent me
books to consider. I fell in love with yours, and you know the rest
Sydney Sweeney changed my life. In 2019, of that. But I don’t think they thought I’d get so engrossed in it.
I was Cosmopolitan’s US opinion editor – What’s surprised you about being in the driver’s seat of
a busy job unto itself. But I was also in the your production company Fifty-Fifty Films?
One: how many steps it takes to get something made; there are
midst of another professional challenge: so many hurdles and passageways and people. Two: as much as
finishing my first novel, They Wish They Were people in the industry say they support young female voices, I’m
Us. Around the same time, Sydney was stealing still having to fight, even among older women. I was told I couldn’t
get a credit I believed I deserved, and I couldn’t get my company’s
scenes in Sharp Objects and The Handmaid’s name on a project I was developing. I have my theories why. Maybe
Tale – and although she was about to debut they feel like we’re getting it too easy. I was told I have to do multiple
as the hungry-for-love, bad-decision-prone things before I can get a credit like that, as if I didn’t deserve it.
Cassie in Euphoria and the snarky, privileged And that came from women. Everyone puts on the charade that
we’re supporting each other, but I have not felt that fully yet.
Olivia in The White Lotus, she was dreaming It’s like they want you to jump through the hoops they
even bigger, too. Determined to be the person jumped through. What else – besides the projects we
in control of her career, she was plotting the already know about – are you working on right now?
launch of her very own production company, Like, a shit ton. I sold a movie. I may or may not have adapted
a book as a screenplay. I have about seven books that I have rights
through which she’d option books, adapt to. It’s terrifying because this is the kind of industry where everyone
them for the screen and become a Reese gets to watch you fail. It’s a lot of pressure. But everyone is going
Witherspoon-level Hollywood boss. She to have good and bad; no one has a perfect slate of box-office hits.
Are there any roles you look back on now and, well, cringe?
was only 22, by the way. Anything before Everything Sucks! and Sharp Objects. I pretend
that was a whole different person – I have blocked out so much
SYDNEY WEARS, OPENING SPREAD (LEFT): DRESS, GUCCI; NECKLACE, MINAUDIÈRE; HEELS, of that time, of my high-school life. Going to school in LA was so
ROGER VIVIER. OPENING SPREAD (RIGHT): JUMPER, ALESSANDRA RICH; BRIEFS, COMMANDO;
TIGHTS, WOLFORD; HEADBAND, ROGER VIVIER; RING, FERNANDO JORGE. OPPOSITE PAGE: different from back home in Spokane. People’s values were on
DRESS, ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER; EARRINGS, IPPOLITA
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‘I’d love to
share my
normal life so
people can see
it’s not all
glamour. But I
can’t because
one, I like my
privacy; and
two, social
media is a
platform for
business’
SYDNEY WEARS: TOP, SANDY LIANG;
KNICKERS, SANDY LIANG; EARRINGS,
MARLO LAZ; NECKLACE, MARLO LAZ
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‘As much as people in the industry say they
support young female voices, I’m still having
to fight. I have my theories why’
a whole different level. My grandparents gave me their old Volvo a year after my parents divorced and I thought, I’m going to
that squirrels were living in. I had to put cardboard on the floor buy this house back and I’ll save everyone. I’ll get my family
because oil would just spill out everywhere. All the other kids had back together. Turns out, I had nowhere near enough money.
Range Rovers and BMWs, and I was so embarrassed by my car. I never cried more in my entire life.
I feel bad because I’m so beyond grateful that I had grandparents It’s heartbreaking, that feeling of realising there are some
who were able to give me a car, but I would leave the keys in the things you can’t fix. Since that moment, though, the rest of
ignition hoping someone would steal it so that I could take the your life and career have changed a lot. Euphoria was such
insurance out on it. No one did. a turning point. You have a lot to work with when it comes
It sounds like you were straddling a double life as you were to Cassie – drugs, pregnancy, revenge porn...
trying to get your acting career off the ground. I don’t agree with all of Cassie’s decisions, but I remember being
Yes. And at that time, I wasn’t the most confident person. I knew a teenage girl and letting my heart speak louder than my mind,
I was a good actor, but no one believed in me. I was told to lose so I would probably make some of the same decisions she did.
weight or that my hair was the wrong colour. Random things that How has the reaction to season two of Euphoria been
made me question, ‘Am I not going to ever become my dream?’ different to season one?
And you had a lot going on at home as well, right? It’s been a whirlwind. Seeing how many people feel for these
In Spokane, I played sports every day. My cousins were always over characters is incredible, and I hope they’re learning empathy as
at my house, teaching me how to start fires with magnifying glasses. a result. We worked really hard for a really long time; the cast
I miss my childhood a lot. I miss how beautiful the world looked and crew poured their hearts and souls into the show, so
and I miss having a family unit; my mum, dad and brother all in [I’m glad it’s] getting recognition.
one place. After we moved to LA so I could act, finances were Cassie’s ‘I’ve never been happier’ scene went viral. How
a huge stress. My dad lost his job and we went bankrupt. They do you feel about fans relating to the show so heavily?
always say, ‘It wasn’t your fault.’ It was. And when my parents were I know, it’s crazy. I keep being sent different videos of people using
getting a divorce, my brother blamed me. But at first, I think they the sound. It’s fascinating. It’s a beautiful thing when you have
enjoyed LA; it was an escape from routine. That’s what I tell myself. a character that so many people are able to relate to. It’s a very
There was definitely a different, rough route that I could have taken. special experience to be able to connect with people through that.
What would that alternative route have looked like? Season two ends with Cassie having a physical fight with
There’s a history of alcoholism and drug addiction in my family her best friend Maddy and falling out with her sister Lexi.
tree. I’ve never done any drugs – I’m terrified that I’m going to That must have been intense for you.
have that addiction. There’s something in my family’s blood that Alexa Demie plays her character so flawlessly. Who wouldn’t be
just hits a different way when they do stuff. I drink maybe once scared of Maddy? I personally would be terrified, so I can only
a year, because I have social anxiety. I prefer intimate gatherings; imagine how scared Cassie is. But no, we don’t [do method
I’d like everyone to pile up on the couch and play board games acting], we’re best friends. Season two was so different [to season
or watch TV. I can’t do the pointless standing around and drinking one] because last season Cassie was so confident and on this
and getting nowhere in life. But around the time my parents got path of self-love and self-worth. And then in the season two finale,
divorced, I did act out with guys. I would run into the arms of Cassie is completely destroyed and distraught. I can only imagine
guys to try to fill this void… I was looking for love to replace where she’s going to go next season.
the emptiness of a home. Do you have any predictions for season three?
This is the stuff that makes us. How has your relationship I never want to put my own opinions on to a character, because
with your family changed over time? I thoroughly enjoy Sam [Levinson]’s writing and I’m excited to see
PROP: RUG, REAL SHEEPIES AT BURKELMAN.COM
My relationship with my mum became way healthier, and my dad what he cooks up for Cassie. I’m patiently waiting to find out.
and I kind of drifted apart, which broke my heart. My brother and And how did it feel to see everyone’s reactions to your
I are way better now. Do I wish that we could all be together? Of character Olivia in The White Lotus?
course, what kid doesn’t? I tried, once. When you’re an actor who’s The White Lotus has been a completely different kind of turning
a minor, a small percentage of your pay cheques goes into a bank point. I don’t think as many people took me seriously in Euphoria
account you can’t access until you’re 18. I naively thought I was because I took my shirt off. With The White Lotus, all these people
going to have all this money; I had this grand plan for it. When we came out of the woodwork like, ‘You’re the most amazing…’ and
left Spokane for LA, we had to sell the house I grew up in. It was I’m like, ‘But I went through the most crazy emotional roller
my mum’s dream house. So when I turned 18, it wasn’t even coaster in Euphoria. So, thanks?
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Xxxxxx
SYDNEY WEARS: TOP, MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION;

BRIEFS, MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION; BELT, MICHAEL
KORS COLLECTION; NECKLACE, FOUNDRAE.
THE EUPHORIA BOOKS SEASON 1 BOXED SET,
SHOP.A24FILMS.COM
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SYDNEY WEARS, THIS PAGE: DRESS, FENDI; TROUSERS, FENDI; HEELS, FENDI;
EARRINGS, FENDI; BELT, FENDI; WATCH, BULGARI. OPPOSITE PAGE: TOP,
PRABAL GURUNG; SKIRT, PRABAL GURUNG; RING, MARLO LAZ
‘I remember being a teenage
girl and letting my heart speak
louder than my mind’
How do you feel about doing nude scenes, personally? different hormones. And I was appalled at myself because I’m
I’m so disconnected from it. When I get tagged in Cassie’s or always so on top of it and professional. I had to go home. That
Pippa from The Voyeurs’ nudes, it feels like me looking at their night, one of my friends really wanted me to go out with her and
nudes, not Sydney’s nudes. When you film one of these scenes, I texted her and said, ‘I can’t come.’ I think it was the last straw,
it’s so technical and not romantic. There are people staring at you, me bailing on her. She said that she couldn’t rely on me and didn’t
pads between you; there’s nipple covers and weird sticker thongs all want to be my friend any more. So that happens and I’m already
up your butt. When I saw The Voyeurs for the first time, I wondered crying, throwing up and then two seconds later, I go on Twitter and
if I’d done too much. I researched celebrities who have done nude see that I’m trending. I’m reading all these comments saying so
scenes, trying to make myself feel better. There are hour-long much stupid stuff about my appearance. I went on social media
compilations of world-famous male actors with nude scenes who and cried. People were like, ‘Oh, she’s just looking for attention.’
win Oscars and get praised for that work. But the moment a woman People literally kill themselves over stuff like this. And people just
does it, it degrades them. They’re not actresses, they just take off don’t give a f*ck. I went on for, like, maybe 12 seconds. I did not
their tops so they can get a role. There’s such a double standard think anyone was going to record it. I just needed to let it out.
and I really hope that I can have a part in changing that. Then it just went everywhere and it became its own beast.
Does it feel strange when fans, especially on social media, Looking back, are you glad you talked about it?
think they have a real relationship with you? Yeah, because it’s something people deal with on a daily basis.
I sometimes feel guilty about it. I would love to share my normal Am I embarrassed? Of course. I still don’t think everyone is
life so that people can see it’s not all glamour. But I can’t because going to see what I do.
one, I like my privacy; and two, social media is another platform Is this – and the fact that most people don’t see the real you
for business. Sharing my life on it could go against the integrity – a reason you choose to keep romantic relationships private?
of the business and brand I’m trying to create. I don’t date people in the spotlight. I don’t date actors, musicians
So how do you decide what to share? or anyone in entertainment because I can just be normal Syd that
I have this formula that I try to follow. I’ll post about my work, I’ll way and it’s easiest. I have a great support system; I have people
post about fashion because when the hell else would I look that who will battle for me and allow me to be on the pedestal and shine
good? And then I try to sprinkle in a Syd post once in a while. without making me feel like, ‘Oh no, I’m shining too bright and
ADDITIONAL REPORTING: DUSTY BAXTER-WRIGHT. FOR SHOPPING INFORMATION, GO TO COSMOPOLITAN.COM/UK

Is Syd the real you? I need to step back.’
Syd is the real me. Is that what you look for in a partner?
Who gets to see Syd? I look for a best friend. I need to be with someone who I can hang
A lot of my family back home, my dog Tank and a few close out with 24/7 and never get sick of, and we laugh every single day.
friends. I don’t have a giant group of friends; I prefer quality over Like someone who can just hang out while you’re working
quantity. Sometimes at work, if I feel really comfortable with the on your car? People are obsessed with your TikToks about
cast and crew, different versions of Syd will come out. Sometimes restoring a vintage Ford Bronco. How did all that start?
I’ll go home and be like, ‘I wish I didn’t speak as much.’ Anyone can go buy a brand-new car, but not everyone can have
A few months ago, you went on Instagram Live and talked something rare that has history. In lockdown, my creative juices
about trolls and how their cruelty impacted you, through were overflowing. I was very bored and I got addicted to going to
tears. It was an incredibly intimate moment that went viral, auction sites for cars. I wanted a Bronco so badly. But I wanted
but it also seemed a little out of character. to build one so that when I drove it and people said ‘cool car’,
It was, but there’s more to the story. That morning, I had a campaign I could be like, ‘yeah, thanks’ and know I made it.
shoot for a lingerie company. I started my period and I did not want What does it feel like to be able to indulge in these hobbies
to put a tampon in because I didn’t want to be bloated in the photos. – and all the other things that used to feel out of reach?
I googled that you could take, like, three or four pills of birth control I just bought a house for the first time. It has similar features to the
and mix it with painkillers, and it’ll make you stop your period. [We house that my family lost in Spokane – little secret doors and laundry
don’t recommend this due to health complications, as you’re about chutes. It really feels like I’m now able to start the life that I wanted
to see.] I did that and went to the photo shoot an hour later and to give to my family. Sometimes I feel really guilty talking about it
started feeling dizzy and nauseous. I was like, ‘F*ck, maybe I need because I remember myself just three, four years ago not wanting
to eat something.’ I had a muffin and it did not make me feel good. to park in my school lot because I didn’t have a nice car. But then
All of a sudden, I threw up in the middle of this shoot, everywhere. at the same time, I’m beyond proud of myself. I get teary thinking
I was a mess. I felt so embarrassed. I was jacked on so many that I’m actually working and achieving my dreams. ◆
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HAIR: FLORIDO BASALLO USING THE HAIR SHOP. MAKE-UP: MELISSA HERNANDEZ AT THE WALL GROUP. MANICURE: ZOLA GANZORIGT USING
DIOR VERNIS. FASHION ASSISTANT: KATE LONGARZO. PROPS: CATE GEIGER KALUS. PRODUCTION: CRAWFORD & CO PRODUCTIONS
C O S M O P O L I TA N
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Photography
DISCO CUBES
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EGG
THE
FREEZING DIARIES
Searches for the fertility treatment shot up during the

pandemic and companies offer it as a work ‘perk’.
But what really happens when you freeze your eggs?
Amy Grier takes us on her very personal journey
The glass from the tiny vial shattered
between my fingers. As I stood in my
bedroom, syringe in one hand, ruined
medication in the other, I paused for
breath for the first time that day. How
on earth did I get here?
If you’d have told 25-year-old me that a decade searches for

later, at the age of 35, I’d be trying to preserve ‘egg freezing’
my fertility by injecting myself nightly with drugs hit a five-year
from thimble-sized glass bottles, I would have high last
chuckled in your face. That’s not how it was summer. The
going to go for me. It was all planned out: by Fertility &
35, I’d have at least one of the two children Gynaecology
I knew I wanted. I’d also have a three-bedroom Academy saw
house with a small garden, a husband (obvs) rates go up
and at least one pet. I’d be a journalist (well, eight times
at least one thing remains true) and hubby compared with
dearest and I would be happily contemplating pre-pandemic.
our next move. Maybe a bigger house. Another For those
child on the way. Who knows! The world was uninitiated, egg
my 25-year-old self’s oyster. freezing is a
As happens so often, the familiar tale I told process that
myself turned into another all-too-familiar tale. takes between
Due to a car crash of a break-up (two-car nine and 15
pile-up, no fatalities, a few life-changing days, where
injuries) aged 33, the life I so badly craved a cocktail of
disappeared like an etch-a-sketch wiped clean. drugs (self-
It’s not that the one I have instead is horrible. administered
Far from it. It’s full of love from friends and injections twice
family, adventure, hilarity, intrigue and fulfilment a day in the
from my work. I am beyond lucky, in the scheme morning and
of things, especially given the past few years evening) are used
we’ve all just dragged ourselves through. to first stimulate
But as all my self-imposed timelines gradually a woman’s egg
EXCHANGE FOR WRITING AN HONEST ACCOUNT OF HER EXPERIENCE

fell by the wayside (you know the ones: the reserve before the eggs are extracted under WRITER RECEIVED A REDUCTION IN THE COST OF EGG FREEZING IN
PHOTOGRAPHY: LESLIE KIRCHHOFF. STYLING: SHELBY KAY. *OUR
‘I’ll freak out about my fertility when I get to sedation. They are then frozen using vitrification.
30. Okay, 33. Okay, no, 35. Fuck it, 40 it is’), When I went for my first appointment, Dr Amin
1
I had no choice but to pull my head out of the Gorgy, a fertility consultant and the co-director
sand long enough to realise that no one was of the Fertility & Gynaecology Academy,
going to come along and fix my fertility explained what this would mean for me. ‘This
anxiety for me. I had to fix it for myself. new fast-freezing method changes the water
That’s how I ended up on the website of inside the egg into powder, which does not
The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy late one damage the egg. Therefore, the survival rate
MILLION
night in March 2021. The pandemic had put after freezing and thawing is about 95%,’
life on hold. Like so many, I felt entirely out he told me. Women under 35 have a 16%
of control, and this felt like one small way I chance of having a baby when five eggs are
could claw some of it back. I was not alone. frozen, and for those over 35 there is a 6%
After steadily rising, the number of Google chance. This increases to 50% with 20 eggs T H E A P P R OX I M AT E N U M B E R
frozen, so someone my age might end up OF EGGS YOU’RE BORN WITH
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38
doing two or even three weeks later, I was back in Dr Gorgy’s reception,
rounds of the process where collages of glowing parents and tiny
to get the optimum babies hang alongside a number of handwritten
number of eggs. thank you cards.
They are then stored in Clutching the huge Jiffy bag of medication
liquid nitrogen until the I’d ordered from the private prescription I was
point where you want to given (total: £567), I had my first consultation
use them to get pregnant with a nurse. She showed me how to mix the
(currently up to 10 years). medication and inject myself. I could feel my
Until this year, the physical face contorting into worry, a bug-eyed doubter
THE AVERAGE AGE OF WOMEN
and monetary cost of this on the edge of tears. ‘I know you think you
process put me off. But WHO FREEZE THEIR EGGS won’t be able to do this, but trust me, within
suddenly the balance a few days you’ll be a professional,’ she told
tipped, and I realised that me, with the efficiency that only a truly busy
I was going into every date, person can muster.
every potential relationship, reserves are like, and whether or not I was a Later that night, I cleared my make-up table,
carrying the weight of my good candidate for egg freezing. As Dr Gorgy threw my cat out of my room and sanitised
fertility anxiety with me. looked at the screen, he told me he could see my hands approximately three times. Then
How can you objectively a good number of follicles, which is usually an I assembled the syringe, plunged it into the
appraise a man sitting in indicator you are still producing a good number first liquid, pinched an inch of tummy fat under
front of you when there’s of eggs. That combined with a blood test to my navel and pushed hard. Nothing hurt until
a voice in your head determine your levels of anti-Müllerian hormone I took out the needle – then came the sting
screaming, ‘Yes, but is he – a hormone produced by your ovarian follicles and a tiny drop of blood.
your baby daddy? Is he? – give a good indication of where you are in The next one was more complicated. You
Ask him’ at full blast. your unique fertility journey. My results showed have to snap off the top of a glass bottle of
I came to think of egg that things were in order. The words ‘for your liquid and mix it with a powder solution – the
freezing as an insurance age’ hung in the air unsaid. number of powders can change every couple
policy, one that would My entire adult life, the number 35 has of days, depending on the results of a blood
take a psychological load loomed large in my consciousness. That’s the test you have every two days at the clinic.
off me in the short term. age, we’re told, when female fertility declines. The levels are monitored closely so that
It’s a deeply personal Despite recent studies showing this might not you stimulate your ovaries enough, but not
decision, and one lots be true, most gynaecologists and fertility experts so much that they overstimulate (which comes
of my friends in similar still work around it as with its own set
positions have not taken. a guide. Meanwhile, of side effects).
But for me, it was the
right time to do it.
those of us in the age
bracket who want
‘As an adult, the That night, I had
to do two powders.
children but don’t
number 35 has
But when I broke
PREPARING YOUR have them yet feel the glass, I did it
BODY: FERTILITY TESTS as though there’s in the wrong place
AND SELF-INJECTIONS
Have you ever seen your
a numerical scarlet
letter emblazoned on
loomed large’ on the neck of the
bottle and tiny
womb projected in front our backs for the shards of glass
of you on a big screen? world to see. I have sat on my fingers
Because if you haven’t, I never once considered lying on a dating app and fell like sharp snowflakes to the floor.
thoroughly recommend it. about anything, until I hit 35. The only thing The second bottle I snapped went better,
We have all seen the stopping me is my inability to hack the age but there were air bubbles in
grainy ultrasound scans, settings on Hinge. the syringe and the liquid was
proffered by friends in The fertility test, before you even get to the egg hard to control and draw up.
THE UK’S FERTILITY REGULATOR. OUR WRITER IS FREEZING HER EGGS
VISIT HFEA (HUMAN FERTILISATION AND EMBRYOLOGY AUTHORITY),
the pub, plastered on Instagram or stuck up on freezing part, can be a barrier too far for some Fighting back tears, I managed
fridges, but when it’s your own womb, scaled people. A lot of my friends have told me, ‘I just it and plunged the second
up on an HD TV, it takes on a different meaning. don’t want to know,’ fearing that if the results needle into my tummy. Rolling
Deep caverns of black give way to murky grey aren’t good, it might send them into a spiral of my gym leggings back up, I sat
shading and white dots form silhouettes that anxiety. I understand this entirely. I felt the same on my bed and cried. Not
AT THE FERTILITY & GYNAEOCOLOGY ACADEMY
shape-shift before your eyes: an intricate mess way. But the idea of not knowing became worse because it hurt, but because the
of life at its very source. I marvelled at it. than whatever the outcome was, for me at least. reality of what I was doing and
This was the beginning of my egg-freezing Tests done, egg freezing would begin on or why was now unavoidable. My
process, a fertility test to see what my ovarian just after the day of my first period. So, a few singleness and the pain that it
just under my belly button. I felt heavy in my
uterus. Not pain, as such, but a deep sense
of movement and weight, which was strange.
The injections hurt, but not nearly as much as
I’d worried about. Even the blood tests weren’t
too bad. For me, the anxiety around starting
£8,000
and the build-up was worse than the act itself.
Even as my hormones escalated, I realised
what I was doing was empowering and tried
to reframe my fear as me finally facing
something that had plagued me for years. THE AVERAGE COST OF A
C YC L E , P LU S S TO R AG E I N T H E U K
caused about the future I so badly wanted (but THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
which had never felt so unattainable) was now I have come to think of egg freezing as a
a physical scar on the soft underbelly of my torso. three-act play. The first act is the decision
No amount of distraction, of treats, of holidays to start the process. This can take weeks or
or Asos hauls was going to take that away. years, depending on the person involved. The eggs from this round. Current advice
But over the coming days, as I settled into second act is the process of getting started, states that to get the most chance of
a routine of the injections, the initial sting settled learning to do the injections and your body being able to use your eggs to get
into something more manageable. I learned reacting to the medication and the routine of pregnant later in life, you need around
to do my morning one after having had a pint blood tests and scans. The final act is where 15 eggs in the frozen bank. Some eggs
of water, a coffee or something sweet, as it everything starts to feel very real, and the can get damaged on thawing and not
felt less brutal. On the days I had to go into physical and psychological effects of the process all of them may fertilise, so having
town for a blood test, crystallise towards more protects your assets, so to speak.
I got up half an hour the end point of Only getting four from this round
‘I realised what
earlier, so I could build egg retrieval. meant a second, and maybe even
in a walk through In this final stage, a third, round was now definitely on
Regent’s Park in as your ovaries are the cards. It was difficult news to
London on the way to
the clinic, something
I was doing stimulated to create
more and more
reckon with, and I left the appointment
in tears. However, after a couple of
almost meditative that
helped me cope better was empowering’ eggs, the fatigue
was overwhelming.
days, I had settled into resignation
and a renewed sense that I was doing
with not going to the Normally, I’m an the right thing. Four eggs is better than
gym as much as I was energetic person, no eggs. And there would be more.
used to. And, most importantly: I cancelled all but I found myself in bed by 9pm most nights. The morning of the egg collection,
the plans I could and just took things very, very I was exhausted and had period-type aches my mum and I arrived at the clinic.
easy. The temptation to pretend everything is in my womb. All normal, but still a lot to cope I’d booked that day and the day after
fine is so strong. But admitting it wasn’t, telling with, especially when there’s limited language off work, for my mental as well as
my close friends and the trainers at my gym to explain these things to colleagues or anyone my physical health. The extraction is
what I was doing and why, was the key to my outside your inner friendship circle. I struggled done using a needle into the vagina
survival in that first week. a bit to maintain the facade of ‘fineness’. In under sedation. It takes less than half
At the end of my first week of injections, my the end, I told a couple of close colleagues an hour, although the process of
tummy had a flush of purple-green bruising and felt instantly better for it. Even my male coming around from the anaesthetic
boss who I was worried about telling was takes a bit longer. Even so, I was in
incredibly supportive. I wish I’d told him sooner and out in two hours. The pain after
and taken that layer of pressure off myself. is manageable with paracetamol
How long the process of ovarian stimulation and lots of rest. No exercise or sex
– the injections – takes differs for every woman. for two weeks, and you’re done.
It can be anywhere between nine and 15 days. A month later, I repeated the cycle
2
By day 13, my consultant Dr Gorgy said I was and undertook a second round of
ready to be scheduled for egg collection. egg freezing. This time, Dr Gorgy
Towards the end, things happen very quickly, upped the dosage on my medication
so you have to be prepared to clear your to try to get more eggs. My womb
schedule at a moment’s notice. When it’s felt heavy, like I was carrying around
decided you’re at a good point to get the a sack of precious marbles in my
maximum number of eggs collected, you’ll be lower abdomen. Every time I crossed
told to take ‘the trigger’, which is a separate the road or narrowly avoided getting
injection you give yourself 36 hours ahead shoved on the train, I felt a small
of the eggs being removed under sedation. sense of what pregnant women must
THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF
In my final appointment, Dr Gorgy told me feel early on – like you’re responsible
C Y C L E S I T TA K E S F O R A W O M A N
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he was expecting we would get around four for a rare precious cargo that no
TO GET ENOUGH EGGS one can see. No one could possibly
read
know what the microscopic motherload my insurance policy already written. But also
I had grown meant to me and I felt the need sadness that I was still single, and that I felt
to protect it from any harm at all costs. like I had to go through with something
It worked. Fifteen days after my second so taxing to begin with. I took a few deep
round began, I got a call from the clinic. breaths and walked forwards. It’s time for
That morning, I’d been in having my eggs the next chapter.
extracted and, as I waited for the phone call
from the lab to confirm how many were YOUR EGG-FREEZING
viable, it felt like waiting to get my A-level
results. ‘Amy, well done, we’ve got good
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
news, you got 21 eggs, really well done,’ WE ASKED DR AMIN GORGY ALL
the delighted lab technician told me. Pride, YOUR PRESSING QUESTIONS
relief, happiness, more relief… they settled
over me like a soothing silk sheet. It was BEHIND THE SCENES Will the NHS cover the cost?
over. I’d done it. Egg freezing is only available on the NHS
A week after my final egg retrieval, I went Amy Grier for medical reasons (eg, prior to cancer
for a big walk in my favourite local park. treatment or surgery that will damage the
I cried a bit. Tears that it was over, that I had ovaries, leaving the patient infertile). Many
When I went through the egg-freezing process,
clinics offer payment packages, such as
I only knew one person who had done it, but the
paying the cost in instalments.
minute I started telling people, the response was

amazing. I was so scared to ‘admit’ it, like it was
How do I find a trustworthy clinic?
a failure to need to do it at all. But it’s not. It’s a
You can visit hfea.gov.uk, which has lots
huge strength to be able to feel like you’re taking
of advice and information. Dr Gorgy also
control when life feels slightly out of your grasp.
recommends reviewing the clinic’s results
Talking about these issues is the first step towards
of frozen/thawed eggs, including the
normalising the conversation around fertility.
percentage of frozen eggs that survive
thawing, fertilisation rates and birth rates.

How long can my eggs be stored?
Statutory rights allow for up to 10 years
at the moment, but the storage period
can be extended in cases of premature
infertility. There is currently a campaign
for this law to be changed, to give the
right to freeze eggs for up to 55 years.

Is there anyone who can’t
freeze their eggs?
Anyone with ovaries can do it. But
the number of eggs you can produce to
freeze depends on your ovarian reserve
and the number of the eggs your ovaries
can produce. The quality of the eggs
will depend on your age at the time
the eggs were frozen.

Are there any risks involved?
The risks of ovarian stimulation and egg
collection are the same as IVF. These
include under-response, ovarian
hyperstimulation syndrome, vaginal
bleeding (or internally after the egg
collection, which is rare) and infection.
Can I test my fertility at home?

Pin-prick blood tests are available at most
popular pharmacies, and while these
kits can give you an idea of your fertility,
they don’t offer you the full picture, as
your eggs and ovaries aren’t scanned.
Plus, it’s a good idea to have a professional
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take your blood sample to ensure that

enough is taken for the tests. ◆
read
THE WOMEN
WE HAVE LOST
One year ago, Sarah Everard’s death shocked the world.
Since then, many more women have sadly lost their lives.
Here, Cosmopolitan pays tribute to them
Wo r d s C AT R I O N A I N N E S I l l u s t r a t i o n s LY N D O N H AY E S
he soft rustling of the wrapping A year on, it’s important we remember their names not brought into each and
was the only noise. Each bouquet this, who she was. What those who knew every public debate? The fact this happens
– hundreds of them, all stacked and loved her think of when they hear her so often should be the very reason we
up – was encased in delicate paper name. As in the media circus that followed, shout their names, so work can keep being
that caught the passing breeze. Everything fierce and much-needed debates came to done to prevent more deaths. But beyond
else was still. I was surrounded by people: light regarding male violence and women’s that, we need to remember these women;
I should have been able to feel movements; safety. It was easy for her to get lost in the they were so much more than a statistic.
that natural shift that occurs within a crowd. noise. Then, in the months that followed,
But I couldn’t. It was almost dusk and the more names began to crowd public When I returned from the vigil, I stood on
light cast a golden sheen over us; it felt consciousness. Sabina Nessa. Nicole my darkened doorstep and lit a candle,
like the sky was telling us to listen, to feel. Smallman. Bibaa Henry. Ashling Murphy. whispering the name Sarah Everard into
These are the names you know, but there the wind. Across the street, I saw other lights
I have often found that, at funerals or are so many others that you don’t. Since flickering. I want to light a candle for every
memorials, nature has a way of bringing Sarah’s death in early March 2021, there woman lost, and this is how. From victim
a mysterious hush – no matter the weather. have been 124 deaths in circumstances impact statements, to interviews with family
I guess it’s trying to give us the space to where a man is held as suspect, awaiting and friends in the local press, to our own
remember, to reflect. A very small respite trial or would be if he was alive. There’s reporting, Cosmopolitan has tried to paint
from a brutal world. That day at Clapham no national database that captures the a true picture of who these women were.
Bandstand, this peace lasted only a few official number of women killed by men, So that we can celebrate their lives and
seconds. But it was needed. Because what but Karen Ingala Smith’s Counting Dead understand the meaning of their deaths.
brought us all there with our shop-bought Women project is the most comprehensive,
bunches of flowers – to be placed down used by charities across the UK. By the time Editor’s note: due to legal restrictions and
amid handwritten signs displaying anger, this is printed, there will probably be more. page limits, we couldn’t pay tribute to every
sadness and fear – was an act of extreme woman. While violence against the trans
violence. You’ll know the story by now; you’ll That you might not have heard about many community is also rife, according to Trans
have read the court transcripts, the victim of these cases is, most likely, down to them Respect – which collects reports of homicides
impact statements. I won’t repeat it. I won’t being considered ‘unremarkable’. They’re in the trans community worldwide – there
repeat his name, only hers: Sarah Everard. ‘common’ cases that the emergency services had been, at the time of printing, no deaths
A woman who her mother Susan said was and police have to deal with every day. Two in the UK’s trans community at the hands
a ‘beautiful dancer who… was always there women per week are killed by a current or of men. If you know of someone who has
to listen, advise or simply to share with the former partner*. These cases don’t tend been lost to male violence this year, please
minutiae of the day’. She was funny, sweet to make national headlines because they email [email protected] so
and clever; a woman who went to festivals, happen so frequently. But why should their we can pay tribute to them in the online
did karaoke and had big career plans… deaths be spoken about any less? Why are version of this feature.
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read
GEETIKA GOYAL, LEICESTER Yorkshire on 4 May 2021. The police her own distinctive dress sense, she loved
‘Geetu was a kind, gentle, humble and are treating the case as a ‘murder- her clothes and particularly her red
honest person. She would not do anything suicide’. Words taken from a tweet lipstick… She was always dancing.’
to harm anyone else and always spoke written by her cousin Dévante Jade Ward was 27 years old when
politely of people… She was innocent and Gravesande-Smith. she was found dead at her home on 26
did nothing to deserve her death. We can August 2021. A man has been charged
never imagine the pain that Geetu went PENINAH KABEBA, LONDON with her murder. Tribute from Jade’s
through that night. She was at work that ‘She just wanted to help people... Penny family, shared by North Wales Police.
day and was having a wonderful day with was a kind, giving, loving, respected and
us. A few hours later she was dead.’ wonderful individual… To the world, Penny MADDIE DURDANT-HOLLAMBY,
Geetika was 29 years old when is another tragedy, but to many of us she KETTERING
she was killed on 3 March 2021. was a daughter, mum, an aunt, sister, ‘A lot has been made in the press about
A man has been sentenced to life friend and colleague.’ her beauty and how pretty she was, but
imprisonment for her death. Words Peninah was 42 years old when she she was a beautiful person within. She was
taken from the family statement was killed on 27 May 2021. She was caring, loving, compassionate; she loved
issued by Leicestershire Police. found at home suffering from multiple her family and she loved her friends. That’s
stab wounds. A man has been charged what we will always remember of her.’
SMITA MISTRY, LEICESTER with her murder. Words taken from Maddie was 22 years old when she
‘So many people knew her. She had been her friend Tricia Nyamata, speaking was killed by a man on 27 August
a customer for a number of years, but she to the Evening Standard. 2021. The police are treating the case
would also drop into the office for a chat. as a ‘murder-suicide’. Words taken
She knew the drivers and all the girls in SOPHIE CARTLIDGE, from Maddie’s mum Rachel, who
the office. She was such a vibrant and NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE spoke to the media after her death.
energetic girl. She was funny and always ‘This beautiful woman had such an
had a big smile on her face.’ impact on my son’s life. Sophie was FAWZIYAH JAVED, EDINBURGH
Smita, also known as Samita Saunders, always his favourite at nursery and they ‘From being a young toddler at nursery
was 32 years old when she was killed. had such a special bond… Whenever I saw who played lovingly with other children,
Her body was found on 23 March 2021. her, she always asked how he was and sharing your toys, to school, where you
A man has since been charged with [said she] couldn’t wait to see him again… would spend your time and money buying
her murder. Words from Uzayr Raja, She was adored by absolutely everyone.’ candles and selling them to give the profit
manager of Aylestone Taxis, who – Sophie was 39 years old when she to charity. You would look after the younger
with the permission of Smita’s mother was killed on 18 June 2021. A man children on the school bus. At university, as
– launched an appeal to cover the has been charged with her murder. a law student, you took time out of your
costs of her funeral. Words from a mum whose son used busy schedule to be a “buddy” for the new
to attend the nursery where Sophie students. And you went on to do so much
BETH ASPEY, READING worked, given to Grimsby Live. for others: volunteering as a mentor for
‘She had many friends, and the love and vulnerable school children; feeding the
energy she gave touched them all. Beth TAMARA PADI, STALYBRIDGE homeless. You would never walk past a
was an outgoing, vibrant and creative ‘It just didn’t feel the same knowing you homeless person without buying them
spirit with a love of music, dance and art. weren’t here, knowing that the most a drink and food. You would pack up food
[She was] loved by so many… Our fond important woman in my life is no longer from the evening meal and go to find
memories of her will never leave us.’ with me. I not only lost my mum but also homeless people to give it to. You made
Beth was 34 years old when she was my best friend all at once. You always such a difference to many people’s lives.’
killed on 30 April 2021. A man has were such a happy and outgoing soul, you Fawziyah was 31 years old and
been sentenced to life imprisonment always knew how to put a smile on my pregnant when she fell to her death
for her murder. Words taken from her face by just being your crazy happy self.’ from Arthur’s Seat on 2 September
family’s victim impact statement. Tamara was 43 years old when she 2021. A man has been charged with
died on 7 July 2021. A man has been her murder. Words by her mother,
CHENISE GREGORY, LONDON jailed for life for her murder. Words Yasmin, speaking to Cosmopolitan.
‘Chenise was a loving and caring person, from Tia Padi, Tamara’s daughter.
whose smile would light up a room. SABINA NESSA, LONDON
[She] worked as a childcare specialist. JADE WARD, SHOTTON ‘When our school chefs started growing
Throughout her life she touched the hearts ‘Jade always saw the good in everyone, a few herbs and vegetables, Sabina was
of those she worked with as well as her she would put everyone before herself and the first teacher to take her class to have
family and close friends.’ loved animals – if ever she saw someone a look. Sabina was always so involved.
Chenise was 29 years old when she even killing a fly she would be angry at Without fail, [she] ate with her class every
was killed by a man in a hotel room in them. She was a strong character [with] day and she didn’t sit there quietly, she
read
would be involved, taking [her class] to TAMBY DOWLING, OLDHAM and everything about her was perfect.’
the serving hatch, always encouraging ‘[She] will leave a huge hole… She Caoimhe was 30 years old when
them to talk to the chefs.’ touched the lives of countless people… her body was found on 18 December
Sabina was 28 years old when she Her door was always open, her home 2021. A man has appeared in court
was found dead on 18 September was filled with visitors and her kettle was charged with her murder. Tribute
2021, a day after leaving her home always just boiled. She leaves behind six by her cousin Mary Therese Lavery,
to meet up with a friend. A man has devastated children who she adored.’ speaking to Belfast Live.
pleaded guilty to her murder. Tribute Tamby was 36 years old when she was
from Lisa Williams, the headteacher at killed in her home on 8 November KIRSTY LOUISE ASHLEY, GRIMSBY
Sabina’s school, shared with MyLondon. 2021. A man has been charged with ‘We played together every weekend in the
Teachers and pupils are fundraising to her murder. Words from Tamby’s park near where mum lived and played in
create a garden in her memory. parents, speaking to the local press. the street. Kirsty gave me a nephew and
a niece, and I always remember us having
TERRI HARRIS, KILLAMARSH BORI BENKO, BRADFORD a laugh when we were younger.’
‘Our Terri… from the day she was born she ‘She was a personal friend to many, many Kirsty was 29 years old when she was
was our princess and remained so until people... She was very joyful, she exuded found dead in London on Boxing Day
she was cruelly taken from us. [She] was faith and was a very hope-filled person. 2021. A man has been charged with
born and raised in the east end of London And in the school where she taught, she her death. Tribute by her sister Kyomi
until she was 17, when she moved to was highly regarded and respected by all Martin, speaking to Grimsby Live.
Sheffield with her mum, travelling to Essex her colleagues who adopted the phrase
when she could to be with her dad. She “be more Bori” because of the way in ASHLING MURPHY, TULLAMORE
made many friends throughout her short which she was… Her intention was to go ‘[She] was our shining light. She loved her
life and remained loyal to all of them. She back to Hungary [her home country] to mum Kathleen, her father Ray, big sister
was an amazing mum; her babies were found a school because they don’t have Amy and big brother Cathal and all of
her world. Terri and the children were well schools like over here set up to support her family and friends so much. She was
respected in the local community and children with additional needs.’ always willing to help anyone, anywhere,
known to many of the local shopkeepers.’ Bori was 24 years old when she was at any time and always put herself last.
Terri was 35 years old when she was killed on 21 November 2021. A man She had so many hobbies and talents,
killed alongside her children John Paul, has appeared in court charged with which all combined to make her an
13, and Lacey Bennett, 11, as well as her murder. Words from Bradford incredible, loving, beautiful person we
Lacey’s friend Connie Gent, 11, on 19 Cathedral’s acting dean Canon Paul were all so lucky to know and loved to
September 2021. A man has appeared Maybury, who set up a crowdfunding spend as much time with as possible…
in court, charged with four counts of page in her memory. [She] was so much more to me than a
murder. Words by her parents, issued girlfriend. She was my soulmate, she is my
by Derbyshire Constabulary. AMBER GIBSON, soulmate, she will always be my soulmate.
HAMILTON, LANARKSHIRE She is the greatest love of my life.’
NICOLE HURLEY, LONDON ‘You were our little ball of ginger light Ashling Murphy was 23 years old
‘Jason, Nicole, Violet and Amira Bell from the beginning and your smile lit up when she was killed in Tullamore on
tragically lost their mother in the most the room. Your singing was questionable, 12 January 2022. A man has been
terrible of circumstances. These children lol, but it was always your favourite thing charged with her murder. Words by her
have been the heart of our community. to do. We love you, Amber, always.’ boyfriend Ryan Casey at her funeral.
They help carry groceries for you when Amber was 16 years old when she
they see you carrying bags. They offer was killed. She was last seen on 26
to water your plants when you are away. November 2021; her body was found
They come and offer to help to paint and days later. Two men have appeared
repair whenever someone is busy tinkering. in court over her death. Words taken
These children are not average. [They are] from her sister’s Facebook tribute. BEHIND THE SCENES
extraordinary, and this is a testament to
Catriona Innes
*SOURCE: OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS
their incredible mother. They are bright, CAOIMHE MORGAN, BELFAST

ambitious, curious and generous… In ‘I have a lot of funny memories as we
one evening [they] lost everything.’ spent a lot of time together growing up
We wanted to ensure that we could pay tribute
Nicole was 37 years old when she was and I was always in her house. We always to all of these women in the best way possible,
killed on 10 October 2021. A man has played and did everything together – we showcasing their personalities and who they
appeared in court charged with her were very close and now she’s gone. [She] were. But we didn’t want to disturb their families,
murder. Words taken from friend Brigitte was always smiling, happy and outgoing which is why we opted to get most of the tributes
Clements who set up a fundraiser for and tried her hardest – she never ever from what is already in the wider domain, so as
her funeral expenses. complained… She always looked well to let the victims’ loved ones grieve in peace.
Xxxxxx
Parliament is debating
a policy to make it
harder than ever to
seek asylum. But are
we forgetting the real
people behind the
headlines?
Words
CORINNE REDFERN
Photography
EMLI BENDIXEN
ou’ve probably seen
the photos: a group
of young women and
men huddled on a beach
somewhere in Kent, each
wrapped in a silver foil
blanket; they seem to
shake with a combination
of cold and fear. Or
maybe you’ve seen the
other ones, the worse
ones: half-submerged
dinghies in the water;
life jackets lying
empty on the sand.

As journeys go, crossing the Channel on an
overcrowded inflatable is probably one of the
most difficult, dangerous trips you can make
– and yet more than 28,000 people did it last
year. As it stands, no matter the persecution
or conflict you face in your home country,
no matter if you’re living in the centre of a
war zone or your sexuality equates to a death
sentence or you’re the victim of torture, the
only way you can claim asylum in the UK
is to actually get into the UK first. For some
people, who have the funds for a flight and
whose passports or qualifications allow them
to apply for tourist or study visas in advance, more and more people are being forced to take a demonstrably more
that might be fairly straightforward. But for dangerous route into the UK. By the end of December 2021, at least
thousands of other people, the policy creates 37 people had drowned over the course of the year, including six women
a deadly obstacle course of impossible options: and four children. But however they manage to get here, entering the
women, men and children are forced to decide UK to seek asylum isn’t illegal. In fact, being allowed to do so is a
between risking suffocation and hypothermia fundamental human right, according to the United Nations.
in the back of a lorry, or taking on the ice-cold If someone survives the journey to the UK, it’s not guaranteed that
waters of the English Channel on a tiny boat. they’ll actually be approved to stay. According to official statistics from
In recent months, it’s the second scenario September 2021, only 13,000 asylum seekers were granted refugee
that’s been making headlines. As the British status in the UK over the previous 12 months, with more than 67,000
government imposes increasingly thorough applications still pending. And the process can take years, with some
checks on vehicles driving over from France, applicants detained in controversial immigration centres, where the
read
conditions are reportedly ‘worse than a British plane could somehow protect me.
prison’ and reports of staff violence are Even after we took off, I kept my eyes glued
common. If you do manage to get refugee to the little map on the TV screen in front
status, you can live and work in the UK of me. I felt like I couldn’t breathe until we
for the next five years – but even then, the left my country’s national airspace.
difficulties aren’t over. According to research After landing at Heathrow, I nervously told
published by the Migration Observatory the man at passport control that I wanted to
at the University of Oxford, at least one in claim asylum, but he seemed irritated. He led
10 people born outside the UK experience me off to a small side room, where airport
racial abuse, and nearly a fifth feel unsafe. staff confiscated my phone and detained me
With so much at stake, just how desperate for roughly 10 hours. I was so scared I felt
do you have to be to leave everything you sick. At around 11pm, someone from the
know behind and seek shelter in the UK? Home Office took me to a shelter in Greater
We hear three women’s stories. London. When they gave me my phone back,
my inbox was full of messages from my
‘Either someone was family threatening to track me down.
Over the next 18 months, I was shuttled
going to kill me, or I around between eight shelters and hotel
rooms across the country. Most of the time,
was going to kill myself’ I wasn’t told why I had to move, though I
suspect it was often a matter of funding cuts
G*, 25, is from the Gulf. After years and limited space. Sometimes my case officer
of domestic abuse, she claimed asylum would call me at 1am, telling me to be packed
in the UK in 2019. She received refugee and ready to go within the next six hours. I
status last year. never knew when it was going to happen, so
I couldn’t make friends or settle. I couldn’t
even eat properly – when you’re an asylum
‘Until I fled my country, everything I did was seeker, the UK government provides you with
always controlled by a man. I was forbidden an allowance of £39.63 each week, which has
to leave the house without permission and to cover everything. Knowing that I might be
someone accompanied me everywhere I went. relocated at any moment meant that I couldn’t
That’s why I have to hide my name and why really risk buying any fresh food, so I survived
I can’t tell you exactly where I come from. on instant coffee and microwavable pizzas.
My family is still trying to find me, and I’m I felt completely alone.
terrified of what would happen if they succeed. In April 2021, I was granted refugee status,
All I can say is that I was raised in a place where which means that I know I can stay for the
women don’t have many rights and, for a next five years. I found a part-time job and
long time, I was a victim of domestic abuse. signed a lease on a flat. The stability makes
I knew that if I didn’t escape, my future held life easier and I’m slowly learning to feel
two paths: either someone was going to kill proud of myself. I’ve come so far and I did it
me, or I was going to kill myself. all on my own. But every time I turn on the
It was late on a Friday night in 2019 when television, I see the UK government passing
I finally bought a flight to London. I booked laws that prevent people like me from ever
a ticket on a tourist visa and then pretended feeling safe here, such as the Nationality and
that everything was normal. But afterwards, Borders Bill. It makes me feel so frustrated.
I was so worried my parents would notice I wish people could understand how terrifying
something was wrong that I spent most of it is to leave everything you’ve ever known
the next day hiding in the bathroom. behind. We don’t have any other options.
On the Sunday morning, I snuck out of the It’s the only way we’ll survive.’
house. It was my first time leaving the country G has been supported by Refugee Action.
and I’d booked a British Airways flight because To find out more about their services, visit
it felt like the safest option – as if being on refugee-action.org.uk.
read
‘I don’t have a home to return to’

Marwa Koofi, 21, was forced to leave
Afghanistan in August 2021 after the
Taliban took over Kabul. Today she lives
in a hotel outside Leeds with her family.
‘You never forget the worst day of your life.

Even if I live to be 100, I will always remember
the day the Taliban entered my city. It’s like
every single second is carved into my memory
– I can still hear the screams as thousands of
us begged to be allowed into the airport and
on to one of the last flights out of the country.
I can still smell the fear.
In Afghanistan, I had the perfect childhood.
I’m the youngest of seven, and I was always
really ambitious. When I was eight years old,
I begged my parents to let me study at one
of the best schools in the country. I promised
that I’d get the best grades, and I did – I was
top of my class. My mum was a politician and
she raised me to believe I could do anything.
When the Americans announced that they’d
be withdrawing their troops in August 2021,
I knew things were going to go badly, but I
never anticipated things changing so fast.
My mum’s job meant our family faced a
very real risk from the Taliban, an extremist
religious group that threatened to kill those
who had collaborated with the United States.
They also wanted to ban girls from going to
school. As soon as they took over Kabul, we I thought that we’d be sent to London, but after a 10-day quarantine,
knew we had to get out. But it wasn’t easy – we ended up in a hotel in Yorkshire instead. We’ve been here for more
my two sisters-in-law didn’t have passports, than five months now; everywhere I look, I see green on green on green.
so my dad offered to stay behind and keep It’s beautiful, but quite lonely – I spend hours on TikTok or watching
them safe. Saying goodbye to him was one Netflix series, such as Emily In Paris. Often my family and I just sit in
of the worst moments of my life. silence. So much has happened, there’s not much left for us to say. I
There were thousands of people waiting at wish I could go home, even though I don’t have a home to return to.
the airport, everyone desperate to flee. I had We have a saying in my country, that you don’t know the value of
learned English at school, so I led my family something until you lose it. That’s how I feel now – like part of me has
to where the British army was stationed. For woken up and I have to do something. One of the first things I did after
10 hours, we stood in 30°C heat, up to our arriving in the UK was apply to university. When in Afghanistan, my
ankles in dirty water. My pregnant sister mum was pushing me to study politics, but I wanted to do business.
fainted, so I begged a nearby soldier for help. My recent experiences have opened my eyes and so, in September, I’ll
If he hadn’t picked her up and escorted us go to King’s College London to study international relations. There
through the crowds, I don’t know if we would are millions of girls still in Afghanistan who are having their chance
have made it out. Eventually, more than 600 at an education ripped away as we speak. For as long as their lives and
of us crammed on to a plane. I found a spot by futures are in danger, I will never stop raising my voice for them.’
the window. The sky was black, but I wanted Marwa’s family has been assisted by the Refugee Council. To find out
to see my city’s lights just one last time. more, visit refugeecouncil.org.uk.
WHAT IS THE
‘I saw a bomb falling in slow

NATIONALITY AND
FAQS
BORDERS BILL?
A controversial piece
motion towards my family’ of legislation, which
(among other things)
discriminates between
Khadeja Alamary, 35 (pictured in the asylum seekers who
opening image), fled Syria in 2013. After enter the UK by crossing
asylum. We were the lucky ones – that the Channel and those
four years in Jordan, she was granted
who either fly into the
refugee status in the UK in 2017 with scheme only applies to displaced Syrians. country or arrive by
her husband and their three children. If we were from Iraq, for example, we’d still means of a resettlement
be stuck. When we learned that we were programme. Those who
enter the ‘wrong’ way
moving to a rural village in Devon, I spent
risk being deported.
‘Nearly 10 years ago, I was looking out hours on Google Earth, moving the cursor
of our kitchen window in Syria, watching around and trying to memorise exactly how HOW MANY
as my children and my husband picnicked I’d walk to the local shop or take the children REFUGEES ARE
underneath a tree, when a familiar noise to their new school each morning. THERE IN THE UK?
The number of asylum
made my heart stop. In the sky, I saw a bomb I was worried people would be unfriendly, seekers and refugees
falling in slow motion, as if headed directly but some of our neighbours had signed up to makes up less than 0.6%
towards us. Without thinking, I ran to my Reset Communities And Refugees’ community of the UK’s population.
children. As the bomb exploded 400 metres sponsorship programme, so they helped us HOW DOES THE
away, I pulled my small family inside our settle. Tiny acts of kindness could salvage an UK COMPARE WITH
house and held them close to me. otherwise difficult day: a stranger smiling at OTHER COUNTRIES?
After that, I knew we had to leave. Together me in the street, or someone going out of The UK is home to
with my sister’s family, we fled over the border approximately 1% of
their way to buy halal meat for a barbecue the world’s refugees.
to Jordan. There, we’d be safe. But life was we went to. My husband started training to ‘The UK has very few
desperately hard. For the first year, we rented be an electrician and I got a job with the people seeking asylum.
one dank, dusty basement, scrimping to afford Pickwell Foundation, which supports Germany welcomes
food. In Syria, I’d been studying to be a teacher four times as many
charities working with displaced people. people, France and
and my husband was working as an engineer; Back in Jordan, my sister was struggling Spain three times as
but suddenly, we had barely any money and we even more than before. Her family had been many,’ says Tim Naor
weren’t legally allowed to work. Every night packed and ready to move to the US, but Hilton, chief executive
of Refugee Action.
I lay awake worrying. It felt like all my hopes President Trump had decided to block any
and dreams for the future had just vanished. refugees entering the country from Syria. I HOW MUCH DO
There are more than 650,000 Syrian asked my colleagues to help her come here ASYLUM SEEKERS
refugees in Jordan, and when you arrive there instead, but their community sponsorship COST THE TAXPAYER?
Research shows that
you’re expected to register with the United project can’t just pick and choose which in the long term, the
Nations. So, when a member of staff called families can come. I’ll never know how they average immigrant to
my mobile in early 2017, I assumed it was did it, but last year, my sister’s family was the UK will contribute
just a courtesy check. Instead, she asked me if approved to move here, too. There’s a photo
more to the British
economy than the
we’d like to be resettled in the UK. Half of me of us hugging and sobbing as we reunited in average UK-born citizen
wanted to say yes immediately, but it wasn’t front of everyone in the middle of the arrivals – and will pay more in
that simple. My sister’s family were going to hall: a tangle of tears and relief. Now she lives taxes than they receive
be granted visas for the United States. If we in social support.
down the road from me with her family and
went to the UK, it meant we’d probably never we take turns to babysit, or we’ll meet to have HOW CAN I HELP?
be together again. I asked the woman if I could a cup of coffee and hold each other’s hand. Activism can make
have some time to think about it, but she said Today, when I look out the kitchen window, a difference, so follow
no. So I agreed and spent the rest of the day @refugeecouncil
I can see birds feeding on the breakfast I left @refuweegee and
*NAME WITHHELD FOR SECURITY REASONS
panicking. It took eight months of interviews, out for them. I can see marks on the grass @chooselove. Email
paperwork and uncertainty before we were where my children have been cycling. And your MP to oppose
approved to enter through the UK’s Syrian above them, I can see the clear blue sky.’ the bill. Research what
settlement initiatives run
Resettlement Programme, which meant that To find out more about Reset Communities near you. And contact
we’d already have refugee status when we and Refugees and the community sponsorship your local authority to
arrived and wouldn’t have to apply for programme, visit resetuk.org. ◆ offer your support.
read
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O F W H AT YO U
It’s true that many clean
brands are making PUT ON IT
eco-friendly strides, but land to support that If this were even *slightly*
ingredients are never sustainability is complex, population, the issue true, you’d never have
a good choice, says and the truth is that any of land scarcity becomes to drink a glass of wine
dermatologist Ranella method of obtaining more and more real. again – you could just
Hirsch. They are. Green natural, plant-based In other words, it just rub some chardonnay
tea, aloe vera and ingredients can contribute doesn’t make sense on your bod and get a
turmeric, for example, to climate change. ‘We to use land for the sole nice buzz, says Dr Hirsch.
are all incredibly effective know that agriculture purpose of growing plants Common sense (and your
natural ingredients, as is one of the most for producing natural stocked bar trolley) tells
long as they’re being environmentally disruptive cosmetics. But producing you that obviously isn’t
used properly. So just things we do as a society,’ a synthetic ingredient in a the case, mostly because
make sure you buy from explains Novakovich. lab? Often, that puts less your skin has a barrier M Y T H 4
brands that clearly state ‘It disrupts biodiversity strain on the environment, that’s both incredibly
they do clinical testing and also contributes to says Novakovich, which efficient and effective. OUR COSMETICS
or use science to support CO₂ emissions.’ There’s some may consider It’s literally designed to
INDUSTRY ISN’T
their claims. also the issue of land ‘better’ when you look keep stuff out, so for
at the larger picture – R E G U L AT E D
availability: as the world’s a formula or ingredient
population continues to even if it’s not natural. to penetrate your skin, Cosmetic products sold
grow and we need more a lot of things need to in the UK have to meet
be just right. ‘There are strict safety regulations,
so many factors at play it’s 100% illegal for
when it comes to product any company to sell
absorption, including the something that’s known to
health of your skin and be toxic or poisonous. The
a molecule’s size, charge idea that brands are out
and chemical make-up,’ there formulating things
says Dr Hirsch. And even that will kill you is untrue,
if an ingredient does not to mention a really
penetrate your skin, bad business model,
it doesn’t automatically says Dr Hirsch. In reality,
mean it’s going to enter the facts are often taken
your bloodstream and out of context to scare
hurt you. you into buying a certain
‘cleaner’ product. So
base your clean beauty
shopping on proactive
research and the tips
you read on these pages,
not on how scared a
‘more natural’ brand
makes you feel.
T h e g o l d e n r u l e:
make your clean
beaut y buying
decisions based on
d a t a, s c i e n c e a n d
t h e e x p e r t s ( h i !)
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Break
Through
The
White
Noise
Lean into all the deeply different
places fashion’s leading you this year,
from grunge to sparkly party vibes.
This is your top trend edit
FA SHION BY C A SSIE A N DE RSON
P H OTO G R A P H Y BY ROS A LI N E S H A H N AVA Z
WORDS BY R ACHEL TORGERSON

Embellishments
Fancy folks know the
add-a-touch-of-sparkle
trend is both (a) very
posh ‘22 and (b) always
a good hack for elevating
basic pieces and edgy
items alike. Take inspo
from this fishnet-esque
dress and these gorgeous
black beaded heels
while you’re at it.
Top and dress, Ganni.

Briefs, Wolford.
Earrings, State Property.
Crossbody and bag, Chanel.
Heels, Stuart Weitzman
109
Jelliesssss Your primary school flex just got a high-fashion makeover and if you’re not excited about it, do you even have a soul?
Fisherman sandals needed this win, to be honest. But now that their moment has arrived, there’s no denying how chic our taste was back then.
Heels, Versace
110
Y2K everything
No, you cannot shake
free of the absolute hold
the early noughties have
on all things right now.
Loud colour combos,
skin-baring silhouettes,
flashy metallics, cutesy
details and a lot of
miniskirts – we probably
need to accept the fact
that it’s time to welcome
these trends back into
your wardrobe. Bring
on the body glitter.
Top, skirt, choker, bracelets
bag and heels, Versace
Ultra glam
No matter what new variants come into play, designers
have had it with the stay-at-home aesthetic. Enter soirée
styles that no one even cares if you wear outdoors – glitz,
drama, 1970s-inspired over-the-top-ness. Self-shot
content of your killer look is the new party, after all.
Top, skirt and trousers, Paco Rabanne. Bangle, Lady Grey. Ring, Anita Ko
113
High volume
Minimalism? The
fashion industry no
longer knows her. When
reached for comment,
it said it hadn’t heard
of Subtlety either.
Expect large-format,
statement-making
shapes to take over you
and your feeds in the
coming months.
Top and trousers, Loewe.

Choker, Anita Ko.
Ring, Uniform Object.
Heels, Stuart Weitzman
114
FOR SHOPPING INFORMATION, GO TO COSMOPOLITAN.COM. HAIR: LISA-RAQUEL BAINES AT SEE MANAGEMENT. MAKE-UP: TATYANA MAKAROVA
AT STATEMENT ARTISTS. MANICURE: NORI AT SEE MANAGEMENT. SET DESIGNER: CARRIE ASHLEY HILL AT SEE MANAGEMENT. MODEL: JOLIE
CHANG/THE IDENTITY. CASTING: NOIR CASTING. PRODUCTION: BRENDA ARMENDARIZ. FASHION ASSISTANT: ANA TESS. LOCATION: PIER 59
Grunge
T-shirt, skirt, hat and boots, Coach

time. Your well-loved band tees, cosy flannels and relaxed-fit items all thank you in advance for your adherence.
Your eyes do not deceive you. One of history’s most iconic laid-back, casual trends is reclaiming its
love
SINGLE? SETTLED? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
Welcome to the
world of eco-sex
Yes, ecosexuality is a thing. So could bringing
environmentalism between the sheets improve
the earth and your sex life? Well, if it’s good for
the planet, who are we to refuse…
Earth Day lands on
22 April
A N D, I F YO U ’R E
I N C R E A S I N G LY
LOO K I N G F O R WAYS
TO L E A D A MO R E
E N V I RO N M E N TA L LY
FR I E N D LY L I FE S T Y L E,
YO U R S E X L I FE C A N
PL AY I T S PA R T. Y E P,
T H E R E’S A G ROW I N G
G RO U P O F PE O PL E
W H O A R E D E FI N I N G
T H E M S E LV E S A S
E COS E X UA L S, U S I N G
THEIR SEX LIVES AS
A WAY TO C H A N G E
T H E WO R L D. B U T
W H AT D O E S T H AT
M E A N? H OW H A R D
G
re
( A H E M) I S I T? A N D
ta T
I S I T F O R YO U?
hunbe
W E L L , R E A D O N…
-a
rg
pp
roved
(Pr
ba
.)
o
bly
. Maybe
Outdoor sex is
already up my street,
so am I basically an
ecosexual already?
You’re not alone in enjoying
getting to it outdoors. Whether
it’s a spot of skinny-dipping,
a tent tumble during festival
season or some foreplay in
the local foliage (IMO the only
interesting part of a date in the
park), a new study has found
that one in three of us are
comfortable with the idea of
alfresco sex. But ecosexuals
take it that one step further
and actually believe in getting
their rocks off with nature.
love
Okay, so instead of and thinks that once we open

our body to that energy, ‘[the]
hugging trees, we’re physical connection can be
humping them now?! humans feed off the planet intimate, lovely and ecstatic’. population, so there’s bound
Not quite. Though there but don’t do much in return. If you fancy becoming to be some ecosexuals
were two activist-artists, Annie And, in short, eco-sex thinking ecosexual, you can create your included in those figures.
Sprinkle and Beth Stephens, suggests that we reframe this. own definition. The movement But unlike LGBTQIA+
who ‘married the earth’ in By thinking of the earth as is pretty open to interpretation identities, many of which
2008… and what they got a lover, we’re encouraged and this fluidity is actually have relatively clear definitions
up to on their wedding night to actively cherish it and enter one of its biggest strengths, based on individuals’ shared
will remain between them. into a reciprocal partnership particularly as these different experiences, ecosexuality is a
Their ceremonial wedding based on give and take. methods all feed into a shared way of thinking above all else
performance (not legally goal of saving the planet. – meaning it’s more of a lens
binding, FYI) influenced an But where does the Whether you delve into through which to see the
emerging facet of eco-feminist sex come into it? ecosexuality through the use world, rather than a concrete
thought: one that encourages of sustainable sex toys or set of behaviours or actions.
Do I have to get
us to take pleasure in the simply revel in the feel of grass On top of that, it’s still a
sensations and sights of frisky with the
against your skin, these are all relatively new concept – just
nature, take stock of our flower trellis? seen as valid ways of exploring over a decade old – so the
place within the ecosystem Well, not exactly, but obviously the intersection of desire and movement remains in flux,
and ultimately take more of an you could if that’s the kind environmentalism. and you can decide what
active stance against climate of thing that turns you on. it means to you.
change. The main message: Feminist pornographer
Madison Young is a self-
So… will I start
that we treat the earth as our Okay, but will this
lover, not our mother. proclaimed ecosexual. For seeing this as an
her, ‘eco sex is the practice identity on Hinge? actually help us
of connecting intimately with As we begin to think more save the planet?
And I thought my ex Eco sex invites us to ask the
the earth or nature’. So ‘that about our role on the planet
had mummy issues… could be the experience of and what we can all do to big questions about sex and
But seriously, what getting turned on by the combat climate change, the climate change – reminding
do they mean? crashing waves, finding ecosexual movement is set to us that every action we take
As any parent knows – hell, yourself erotically charged by keep growing as an alternative has a potential impact on the
as anyone who’s been a gazing up at the stars or the way to integrate ecological planet. But it uses pleasure to
child knows – mothers are moon, bathing in the sunlight, values into our lives. This is make environmentalism feel
WORDS: MEGAN WALLACE. PHOTOGRAPHY: RAYMOND FORBES LLC/STOCKSY UNITED; KIKE ARNAIZ/STOCKSY UNITED
perennially taken for granted, sinking your feet deep into already starting to be reflected more accessible, seducing
whether it’s shouldering all the sand [or] splashing in mud in how we use dating apps. people into rethinking their
the emotional labour or puddles’, she explains. Young ‘Environmentalism’ ranks as relationship with the natural
cooking and cleaning for the describes eco sex as a way of one of the top values added to world around them – and
entire household. So, when recontextualising our sensual Bumble profiles in the UK, and figuring out what they can do
we apply the metaphor of the – but not necessarily sexy – vegan dating app Veggly has to help. As it turns out, not all
mother to the environmental interactions with nature. She 45,000 vegan swipers – FYI eco-superheroes wear capes
world, it suggests a one-sided believes in acknowledging the UK has the highest number – but some of them do wear
relationship, one where the earth as a living organism of users in relation to country vegan condoms.
BRING SOME ECO TO YOUR SEX LIFE
Test the ecosexual waters by giving your sex life a green makeover…
REST AND RECHARGE RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE DON’T FORGET THE CONDOMS GET GROUNDED
Ditch the batteries! ‘Probably the Recycling isn’t just for tins, glass Regular rubber latex condoms Spend some time in nature. Go
simplest way you can help the and cardboard. ‘Don’t just throw are treated with chemicals and for a walk and whether you’re
planet when buying sex toys is by your old vibrator in the bin,’ says take years to decompose. Brands soothed by the sound of waves
always choosing rechargeable Knight. ‘Lovehoney recycles such as Hanx produce vegan or a breeze blowing through the
products, which offer far less disused sex toys sent in by options that break down in your leaves, let the fresh air, peaceful
waste than traditional, battery- customers – not just Lovehoney compost. Co-founder Dr Sarah setting and screen-free time bring
operated sex toys,’ says toys – as part of its Rabbit Walsh says, ‘Our customers care you back to your body. If you and
Lovehoney sex expert Amnesty, which has been running about living sustainably, which can your walking companion get a
Annabelle Knight. for more than a decade.’ affect their sex-life choices, too.’ little frisky along the way, so be it.
estigat
inv io
n
n:
A
Can a partner really feel
your orgasms?
Let ’s ask the (actual) experts... Wo r d s TAY LO R A N D R E W S
or sensed some vaginal

pressure on their penis
or heard your moans
reach max volume –
but these things do
not necessarily always
equal an orgasm. And
the only person who
can know for sure
whether or not you’ve
had a moment of total
Does ‘Wow, you euphoria is... you.
looked so hot when So why all the
I made you come’ sound assumptions and
familiar? I know I can’t weird flexes? It’s likely
be the only heterosexual because many people
or bisexual woman in have been conditioned
the world who’s been (a lot of the time by
told I just had an epic porn) to look for
orgasm despite, well, physical ‘signs’ that a
not having one at all. woman has orgasmed
Because here, friends, – and as a result, they
is the thing: unless swear they can feel it.
you’ve specifically said Like, physiologically,
the words ‘I just came’, anatomically sense it.
a penis-having partner This is how Brett, 40,
can’t be 100% sure thinks an orgasm feels
you’ve climaxed during – ‘It varies from woman
P-in-V sex. Like, sure, to woman, but it feels
maybe they felt your leg like a tightening and
quivering uncontrollably relaxing around my
8
penis in a pulsing
action.’ Zach*, 30,
% agrees. And on top
of the tightening
sensation, he also
notices a ‘change
Only 8% of you in wetness’.
are most likely Now, I’m not saying
to orgasm these guys are outright
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
through vaginal lying – it’s very possible

penetration
they feel legitimate
pulsing and wetness.
love
25
What I’m saying is that, think a vaginal pulse of making assumptions,
again, detecting a few
physical sensations % they felt is the earth-
shattering orgasm
they could make use of
their communication
does not mean that we all crave, we miss skills instead? ‘If you’re
someone can assume out on a whole lot of wondering about the
– or worse, verbalise pleasure. Case in point: quality of a woman’s
Only 25% of
to you in a smug or women orgasm
in one post-sex poll, climax, ask her how she
I f y o u h a d £1 f o r humblebraggy way about 85% of men felt,’ says Mia Sabat,
in opposite-sex
ever y time you
– that their work here relationships, believed their partner sex therapist at Emjoy.
h e a r d ‘ M m m, I f e l t
t h a t,’ y o u c o u l d is done. Experts who’ve compared with had an orgasm – but ‘Don’t attempt to make
af ford nail ar t this researched this even 72% of men only 64% of women a judgement based on
c u t e 24/ 7 harder than I have reported that they her spasms. Only she
concur. ‘There’s no mean a bunch actually did, according can express her
definite way for a of different things to the National Survey orgasms.’ Amen.
woman’s partner to depending on how of Sexual Health and
know if the woman has turned on you are. Behavior in the US.
had an orgasm,’ says So it’s just wrong to And let’s not forget The surprising
sex educator Janielle automatically assume that most women and results of
Bryan. And that’s they simply mean that people with vulvas can’t Cosmopolitan
because pleasure ‘they’ve finished’. climax from penetrative UK’s biggest
This should actually orgasm survey
comes in a lot of sex alone. Wiggins says
be good news for men yet…
shapes and sizes. only around 29% of
and other people with women can, and some Take a peek into the
But is it ever penises, because some studies point to an sex lives of the nation
possible? of them might not be – this is how women
even smaller number and people with
When Hayden, 26, able to detect any – making the ‘I felt vulvas are having
says he can sense sensations at all. A lot you come on my penis’ sex in 2022
‘the tightening of the of it depends on the during penetrative
muscles throughout his
partner’s body’, he’s
probably talking about
individual penis –
specifically, its size
and how sensitive
action seem even
more like a not- 66%
actually-hot fantasy. of readers have
pelvic-floor and vaginal the nerve endings are, Of course, orgasms faked an orgasm
contractions, says says gynaecologist Dr aren’t the be-all and
naturopathic doctor
and sexologist Jordin
Kimberly Langdon. ‘The
bigger, girthier penises
end-all by any means
– you don’t have to 38%
Wiggins. And it’s true have a better chance have one to enjoy of you would like
that such contractions of filling the vagina to orgasm more
great, satisfying sex.
can be an element and thus may detect
91%
But when partners
of orgasm for some changes,’ explains Dr overestimate their
women and people with Langdon. (And before success rate in general,
vulvas, but it’s definitely you ask, wearing or say sex can be
it may also make them pleasurable without
not a guarantee. not wearing a condom less likely to proactively an orgasm
Contractions, pulses, makes zero difference address or ensure their
61%
quivers, an increase in as to whether someone partner’s pleasure.
lubrication – they can has the ability to feel
all happen at any point vaginal movement, Idea: let’s just would like to
during sex and can says Wiggins.) check in with orgasm every time
each other
PHOTOGRAPHY: KATE SZATMARI/THE LICENSING
they had sex

Meanwhile, instead
Contractions, pulses, the orgasm gap
15%
PROJECT. *NAME HAS BEEN CHANGED
Listen, I’m fully aware

is absolutely that some guys are into
thriving
quivers – they can
achieving their partner’s of you never
And that’s why the pleasure along with debrief with
partners after sex
answer to the question their own. But maybe,
all happen at any
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
in this story’s headline just maybe, instead See the full results at
cosmopolitan.com/uk/
is so important. Because
point during sex
orgasms
when men erroneously
love
My
best
sex
ever was...
o n P a y P a l
Billie got more than an orgasm from her “Pathetic, Mistress,” he replied. and heavier, he sent me
I pictured him on his knees, links to fetish sites. I refused
first experience of digital domination… licking my boots as he tugged anything cheap, telling him
at the leather hugging my I deserved better. We settled
It all started on for a pic, he asked what he thighs. Desperate to taste me. on a latex bustier that would
MSN – the realm could do for my pleasure. I was completely in control perfectly frame the breasts
I didn’t know what was of his sexual gratification – not he had to beg to suck on.
where David* and
WORDS: BILLIE WALKER. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES ROY JAMES SHAKESPEARE. *NAME HAS BEEN CHANGED
hotter: his subservience or the just in this fantasy as we sent I was totally alone, but the
I ignited a teenage
image of him in a toilet cubicle texts back and forth, but also sex was more intense than
crush, both shyly
missing his own party because as I told him what he could anything I’d experienced
avoiding eye contact at school
he’d rather be sexting me. and couldn’t do to himself. – knowing that I was more
but enthusiastically chatting
I asked what he wanted and deserving of his attention and
online. Ten years later he slid
into my DMs to admit how his answer made me burn – ‘Denying his money than a party full of his
nearest and dearest. With my
much he fancied me all those “Me worshipping you, and
years ago. The crush that you giving me the opposite.” climax made vibrator firmly pressed against
my clit, I was giddy on my
began with intense hours of I commanded him to kneel,
instant messaging continued telling him I won’t let him up mine greater ’ own power and the image of
him grovelling before me. My
in a similar vein. He was cute until he’s whimpering at my
I imagined standing before orgasm was irrefutably mine
then, but his pictures showed feet. My ego was full to bursting
him, his knees bruised from – and so was his. The denial of
he was even hotter now. Our and I got wet watching him
the hard tiles, his eyes staring his climax made mine greater.
digital flame was rekindled. furiously typing on the screen.
pleadingly up at me. I denied I ended the chat with my ego
After chatting for a while, He told me how sexy I am
his request to touch himself. just as satiated as my body.
I messaged on his birthday and how he longed to feel
I wanted him to be agonisingly After years of unconsciously
asking if he was alone, hoping my thighs wrapped around his
throbbing – he didn’t deserve submitting to men’s desires,
to send him a saucy pic. He head. The more complimentary
the same pleasure I relish in. I finally felt fulfilled. The next
said he was out with his mates, he was, the harsher my replies
Then, it got better: he asked day I woke up to a bonus in
but then, almost instantly, my became. I told him to beg for
for my PayPal. He begged me my bank account and a
phone vibrated with him saying me, reminding him he was in a
to let him buy me something message. “Your parcel is on
he had escaped and was now cubicle while his friends partied.
sexy. And while the sexting its way, Mistress.”’
on his own. Instead of asking “What are you?” I asked.
continued, getting hotter
love
down soon is the Tesco

one with the ice cream.
But yeah, I also really
want a relationship. posts from awesome
And why is this so weekends together.
wrong? Why does it I’m sick of doing stuff
make me feel like a alone. I crave the
traitor to single people intimacy of having
everywhere? Or like I a ride-or-die. A few
can’t say this out loud weeks ago, I was so
without being labelled starved for touch that
an anti-feminist who I found myself hugging
has failed to flaunt her people for way longer
fabulous free-agent than is socially
status? How is it that acceptable. (I’m not
admitting I might be proud of this, and if
even happier with a this was you, I’m sorry.)
plus-one makes me I then got caught in a
seem both too thirsty vicious Tinder-swiping
and not fierce enough? cycle of feeling utterly
Look, I know how miserable for not being
privileged I am to even able to find anyone I
exist at a time when we liked – and then feeling
aren’t socially obligated extra miserable for
to be coupled up. I wanting to so badly.
Can I admit
mean, if this was before The worst was coming
the 1970s, I wouldn’t to terms with the fact
even be able to get a that I don’t actually
credit card without love standing on my
I hate a husband’s signature

(seriously.) Now, there
are entire movements
own. Lately though,
I’ve been asking myself:
isn’t the entire value of
being single dedicated to raising

women up. We don’t
need to be girlfriends
independence that you
can do what you want?
And I’m pretty sure
now?
or wives to thrive, and being a feminist doesn’t
that’s definitely worthy mean I have to stay
of cheering. It single just to prove
What if I want fries and a guy to share doesn’t mean, my power as a
though, woman, right?
them with, asks Dana Gerber…
d
that So here’s my
some new mantra:
bandwagon, (me) leaning into
championing the My friends and family don’t what I know
on’t get me badass army of the always tell me that I’m still want will make
wrong: I’ll unattached that’s killing it soulmate-free a partner to me happy.
proudly rock a T-shirt only gaining strength – because, hi, I am. I take late night And never, ever
PHOTOGRAPHY: MOVIESTILLS DB
proclaiming ‘nachos are in numbers (in the UK, never have to share my drives with. And apologise for slaying
my bae’ while listening unmarried people make popcorn at the cinema, send LOL memes to as a solo queen,
to Lizzo (‘put the siiing up about 50% of the I live for chill nights regularly. And tag in while also looking
in single’). I love that adult population.) vegging on the sofa romantic Instagram for that someone
our culture is now fully and the only aisle I’m special to share my
on the #SingleLife excited about walking throne with me.
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S TY L E E D I T
Look your best
DARE TO DESIRE
Established in 2020 in
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www.daretodesire.store
JEWELLERY EDIT
Enchanté Communication – Global Jewellery Brand Feature of the Year

Interview with Jarilyn Lim from Jarilyn Jewelry
Enchanté Editor’s Pick - Jariyln Lim Edition
1. Jariyln Jewelry Signature 3. Ribbon of Love 5. Amethyst

Jarilyn Lim Love Clicks with Pearl Earrings Love Ring
Founder of Jarilyn Jewelry
Enchanté Communication – USA
“All you need is love: Jarilyn Jewelery celebrates

craftsmanship, art and the wonders of life” 2. A Love Affair Earrings 4. For The Love of Halo Baguette Pendant
It’s early 2022 and Enchanté Communication escape the bitter on the feeling of love, creating an emotional attachment. I focus on Although we might get lost in the world of passion, love and
winter weather, only to find themselves in the sun-soaked California. creativity and uniqueness both in my designs as well as the choice craftsmanship, achieving the level of expertise Jarilyn Jewelry
More specifically the shop, studio and oasis of creativity Carmel- of gems and semi-precious stones used to adorn them. They need to offers, is no easy feat. “I am a perfectionist, a true Virgo. Since we
by-the-sea, where we meet the Founder of the eponymous award- fit the mood and essence of the person wearing them,” says Jarilyn. don’t focus on mass production, gemstone quality and sourcing
winning jewellery brand: Jarilyn Jewelry. Yet this envy-enticing Jarilyn’s namesake jewels raise the bar, as they transform any ring, are our most important pillars. All my gem setting is done by hand
pocket of paradise wasn’t always what Jarilyn Lim called home. necklace or bracelet into a wearable work of art. They become and overseen by me. I work very closely together with a team of
Growing up in Malaysia, Jarilyn moved to Australia at the age heirloom pieces passed down from one generation to the next, much experts, who ensure everything is done ethically and to the highest
of 16 for her further education. Upon graduating, she relocated like how Jarilyn herself became enthralled in the jewellery business. standard of quality,” says Jarilyn. Due to this extreme attention to
back to Malaysia and assisted her family business. After learning “My mother was my biggest influence, she instilled a passion detail and flawlessness, the creation of a single piece of jewellery,
the tricks of the trade for over 10 years, Jarilyn shifted gears and for design and appreciation for handcrafted, exquisite jewellery such as her ‘Love of Sunset’ can take up to 6 months, ensuring
pursued one of her first passions: skincare. Packing her bags pieces in me,” says Jarilyn Lim, “That’s why I focus on one-of-a- every piece is intertwined with patience, craftsmanship and love.
once again, she moved to Northern California and opened her kind skilfully crafted adornments. When people enter my shop,
own spa in 2010. It was there that fortune came knocking on her Jarilyn Jewelry namesake line of fine heirloom pieces are everyday
I want them to feel as if they’re walking through a gallery, while
door, as one of her long-term clients entrusted Jarilyn to take luxuries, with a high-end appeal of precious and semi-precious gems
also making the art accessible for them too. Every piece is different,
over her jewellery business, and thus Jarilyn Jewelry was born. and the sentimental value of a personal touch, enlaced with passion
some I create myself, for others- such as silver - I partner with
and love.
other designers. I also exhibit some of my personal collection such
Jarilyn Jewelry is all about the celebration of love – in any form
as the Parrot Ring, a piece I picked up years ago on a trip to Italy Enchanté Communication
– placing it at the centre of everything Jarilyn pours her heart
enlaced with all the rich colours of a bird set in Austrian crystal.” PR & Advertisement Director: Xavier Tan Jiang Hoe
into. “I always listen to my heart, when I was younger, I didn’t
do that. I had regrets and struggles so decided to take my life into Fashion Editor: Lupe Baeyens
my own hands and pursue my passions. When I packed up my In addition to making her everyday working – and shopping Founder of Jarilyn Jewelry: Jarilyn Lim
experience – feel like a museum visit, there is the added service of Jewellery Collection: Jarilyn Jewelry
life to follow my dreams, I was very scared. However, I started
customisation, ensuring every piece you buy from Jarilyn Jewelry Editor: Bessy Huang Photographer: JunJie Pang
getting compliments, saw improvements on my client’s skin who
is a true representation of yourself and your desires. “Personally, Art Director: Yanle Shen Producer: Heartj Wang
soon after turned into friends. This gave me the confidence and
I love working one-on-one with my clients, we exchange ideas Make-Up Artist: Natsumi Yamamoto Hair: Shihori Ito
resolution to keep going and have an open mind to new ventures and Stylist: Yisha Lu Set Designer: Kiara Gourlay Assistant: Tianyi Sun
opportunities. The satisfaction I received from the daily encounters either in person or online. Then I start hunting down the perfect
Styling Garment: Siyi Chen, Zi Yin, Christopher & Qi Liu
with my clients was unparalleled, so phenomenal. I came to gemstone to match their wishes, I oversee every process of the
realise that life can be so much more enjoyable if you just follow design. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than creating a For more information, please visit:
your heart and look where I am now.” says Founder Jarilyn Lim. jewellery item that will be cherished forever. At the moment, Jarilyn Jewelry Instagram: @jarilynjewelrycarmel
I’m working on a truly unique engagement ring, the fact that Instagram: @houseofenchante
It is this passion and desire for love that seeps into all of Jarilyn Jarilyn Jewelry will be part of such a special moment, articulates Email: [email protected]
Jewelry’s creations, and truly sets them apart. “My designs are based everything that I want to represent with my brand,” says Jarilyn Lim. Website: www.enchantecommunication.com
FOR DETAILS OF CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PLEASE TELEPHONE 020 3728 6260 OR VISIT WWW.HEARSTMAGAZINESDIRECT.CO.UK
FASHION EDIT
Enchanté Communication - Global Men’s Brand Feature of the Year

Interview with Jonq-Jin Kuo from Vivvant London
Enchanté Editor’s Pick - Vivvant London Edition
Jonq-Jin Kuo
Founder of Vivvant London
Enchanté Communication - Taiwan
1. Alexis Stone-Grey 3. Brion Black 5. Alexis Tan

Suede Jodhpur Boots Chelsea Boots Suede Jodhpur Boots
“To be a gentleman is to be kind, thoughtful,
2. Oliver Black Oxford Shoes
charismatic and effortless... ” 4. Urban Off White Leather Sneakers
To be a gentleman is to be kind, thoughtful, charismatic and able to align his background with a more direct pursuit of fashion and Finally, Jin shared with us some heartwarming advice to the dreamers
effortless... Above all else though, a gentleman is the empath of design. It began with a simple desire to “look nicer like all the other out there. When in pursuit of your dreams, there is nothing more
the room; one who cares for others and is generously attentive to young people”. “What really inspired me and opened another door for frightening than the initial first step or action you take, but it is
those around them. Such qualities were not only represented by our me was when I came to the UK”, Jin recalls. Jin worked in retail for a also the most rewarding part. This is how Vivvant London came
featured brand Vivvant London, but also the Taiwanese-born founder while in the UK before discovering and learning of his aesthetic. This to be, how talented designer Jonq-Jin Kuo manifested his dreams.
and designer himself, Jonq-Jin Kuo. “It isn’t just about the polite experience became pivotal to his career and eventual establishment
manners... It is something deeper. When a group of people get together, of his brand, Vivvant London. He loved witnessing the beautiful “I had this fear of failure... There was a long period of me being
a gentleman cares about the atmosphere and how other people feel”, and timeless marriage of high-fashion and classic, gentlemanly stuck... I believe sometimes when you really start to chase your
says Jin of what it means to be a gentleman. Naturally, Jin emanated attire. Walking the streets of Mayfair, immersing himself in the dreams, that is the step where you start to feel scared. When you are
an admirably humble and gentle aura as he spoke of his very much surroundings and architecture of London, this really began to inspire really far away, you can talk about it all day long. So I think the most
established and high-end men’s footwear brand, Vivvant London. and facilitate Jin’s passion for menswear. The charming gentleman’s important thing is to start the first step and continue.” - Jonq-Jin Kuo.
grooming stores found in London’s arcades sparked Jin’s curiosity.
Jin has made tremendous efforts to distinguish and define his Jin knew these stores and practices were embedded in London’s Enchanté Communications wants to thank Jonq-Jin Kuo once
brand identity, not only by concept but also physically. Jin shared history, culture and fashion. With reference to Jin’s book title, it again for his insights and time, it was an honour to interview
with us his incorporation of the leather three V logo featured at the was these elements that Jin came to know as “The Londoner Style”. such an established, inspiring and yet modest gentleman.
back of his shoes, “It looks a little bit like army ranking badges...
It is quite a masculine detail”, he says. Additionally, his shoes tend When asked about Vivvant London’s developments for the new
to follow a more narrow and slender design, which is yet another year, Jin disclosed an exciting one. Jin revealed that he would
Enchanté Communication
feature of Vivvant London’s elegant brand identity. When asked like to introduce camera bags into his collection. A camera
PR & Advertisement Director: Xavier Tan Jiang Hoe
about fashion trends, Jin has both adhered to and rejected certain bag that is not simply functional but also fashionable, one that
Fashion Editor: Jessica Wen Jun Ciprian
trends in the fashion world. One trend he favours is the trend of also exudes the “Londoner Style”. Typically camera bags don’t Founder of Vivvant London: Jonq-Jin Kuo
being more casual, simple and minimal, “I really like the idea of consider aesthetics, functionality is top priority, however Jin Shoes Collection: Vivvant London
combining the classic and sporty and casual elements together... I wants to create one that can easily be doubled as an accessory. Editor: Bessy Huang Director/Photographer: Yanle Shen
will put more casual elements in the collection in the future”. A trend Stylist: Alice Secchi Art Director: Jiao Ling Producer: Heartj Wang
that he respects, however knows isn’t fitting of Vivvant London’s Jonq-Jin Kuo considers footwear to be the ultimate statement piece for Hair & Make Up: Chieh-Ping Lee Model: Earl James & Jobey
style, is that of flamboyance. Although fluorescent colours seem to a gentleman, as it is the most accessible and timeless item of clothing. Mitchell
be popular with the youth, this is not definitive of the “Londoner Unlike watches for example, which Jin noted as slowly transitioning Set: Yuan Gu Stylist Assistant: V.Rosalia, Mutombo-Cartie
Special Thanks: Airui Li, Junjie Pang, Haowen Yang & Wenhao Xie
Style”, a concept Jin considers heavily. He prefers the classic to the to the digital world, shoes have remained somewhat traditional.
modern and avant-garde when it comes to the designs of his footwear. The classic, analog watch is no longer a necessity (although
For more information, please visit:
very gentlemanly), but a classic shoe to accompany you to Vivvant London Instagram: @vivvant
Jonq-Jin Kuo has shifted careers in his lifetime and his journey is any event, whether it be a business meeting, night out or Instagram: @houseofenchante
definitely one that would inspire many, especially those still in pursuit casual daywear, will never go out of style. This reasoning Email: [email protected]
of their dreams. Whilst his career began in fashion marketing, Jin was has contributed to Jin’s establishment of Vivvant London. Website: www.enchantecommunication.com
FOR DETAILS OF CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PLEASE TELEPHONE 020 3728 6260 OR VISIT WWW.HEARSTMAGAZINESDIRECT.CO.UK
e re a r e n o c
In my
th ho
ly,
d
co
Sa
la
top drawe
te
his r
in
nightstand
ing
frogs hid
Daniel Radcliffe’s bedside is

high-key chaotic. The Lost City star
is also ready for ghosts, so there’s
that. Oh, and he’s going to show this
page to his mum. Hi, Daniel’s mum!
Wo r d s M A D E L E I N E F R A N K R E E V E S
My overall
nightstand vibe
Cluttered and
overflowing. It’s a mess My snack
and I’d be lying if I said situation
I could navigate it. If there are any in
Thank you for asking there, they’re buried
me to do this interview, deep and in a
by the way – it’s really very advanced state
drawn into focus how of decay, so I’m
urgently I need to probably better off
get organised. never finding them.
W h a t ’s i n t h e r e W h a t ’s o n t o p ?
at all times? A light. My keys.
A crystal dagger, which And a random pile
I use to kill ghosts! of change.
I wouldn’t What I steal

want my mum from my
to find… p a r t n e r ’s s i d e
If I didn’t want her to Her moisturiser.
find it, why would I say
it here?! She will How I wake up
PHOTOGRAPHY: ANA CUBA/NEW YORK TIMES/REDUX/EYEVINE
definitely read this. I have two alarms,

both labelled in all
caps so I’m shouting
at myself.
ity
ost C
The L as
cinem
is in r c h
a
25 M
.

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