Blog Posts by Cosmopolitan.com

Who said work was supposed to be fun, right? Well, why the hell not? If there was ever a time to take a chance and be innovative, it's now, when the market for traditional jobs is tight. Turns out, there are crazy-good ways to score your rent that are so cool and surprising, you may not know they exist. Several of the fun jobs that follow are potential career paths; others are one-timers that earn you extra cash. Whether or not you're ready to jump, just knowing about these wacky positions will inspire you to think outside the box.

Doggy Flight Attendant
Crazy about travel? A sucker for creatures with four legs and a tail? Consider flying with Pet Airways. As a pet attendant, you'll take charge of animals at the pet lounges, dole out belly rubs and ear massages en route, and deliver them safely to their owners at the end of the trip. Be sure to squeeze in some shopping and barhopping before flying back to home base. Pet Airways hires people who have worked with pets

These four fads that range from annoying to unfair to downright dangerous are finally on their way out. Let's send them on their way and hope to never, ever see them return.




1. Bridezillas: Most Obnoxious. Term. Ever. Not only is it just a veiled way of calling a woman psycho, but let's be real - most of us aren't going to short circuit if our bouquet has 11 sprigs of baby's breath instead of 10. Which is why we're so thankful for finicky hubbies-to-be like Russell Brand and Simon Cowell, whose ridiculous demands for their weddings have inspired the term "groomzillas." This new addition to the lexicon has helped place bridezillas on the endangered species list - which is exactly where they belong.

The Real Reasons Wedding Season Is So Darn Dramatic!






2. Soaking Up UV Rays: You know that a real tan - from the sun or a tanning bed - is all kinds of bad for you. And when the new Tan Tax goes into effect in July, we expect to see the cancer-triggering trend decline at an even faster rate.

We all want it, but sexy, shiny hair isn't always as easy as the shampoo commercials make it seem. It's all about smooth strands. That's because the smoother the hair cuticle, the more light it reflects. When a cuticle is damaged, light gets absorbed into cracks and crevices, making hair look dull. "For megashine, you need to fill in those cracks and use styling techniques that smooth the cuticle instead of rough it up," says Tommy Buckett, stylist at Sally Hershberger Downtown salon, in New York. How do you fill in those cracks? We found out how to keep your hair shiny (and healthy).

What do guys think of your hair and makeup?

CURLY HAIR
The big shine killer for curly strands is dryness. Give your mane major glow by moisturizing at every step.

Hydrate: "Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair is, and the cuticle is a little rougher," says Buckett. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner (try the Garnier Fructis Moisture Works line) to hydrate your strands so they'll shine

We're stoked that summer is just around the corner: That means sunshine, beach bashes, flirty summer fashion, and cute guys galore. What we're not so excited about is getting ready to bare it all in our adorable bikinis - a flawless bikini line is essential, but upkeep is, well, painful. We got the lowdown on all the latest news in hair removal - plus some basic tricks you may not be aware of.

You Don't Have to Suffer (So Much) Anymore
Previously, you needed a prescription to get your hands on skin-numbing products for waxing, but a new crop of topical creams and sprays containing lidocaine and benzocaine is now available over the counter. Applying 15 to 20 minutes before you're ready to rip - or be ripped - will significantly reduce the ouch factor. Try GiGi Anesthetic Numbing Spray, $12, and LMX 4%, $47. Tip: Ask around. Certain salons are better than others at removing hair painlessly.

Hair Inhibitors Are Flooding the Market
A slew of new products contain capislow, a plant

It's totally normal to feel a bit panicked when you're about to face an intimidating situation. We've all been there - you don't know a soul at a party, you're nervous to talk to that guy you have your eye on, you're headed into a career-defining meeting - and a few brilliant pick-me-ups can change the whole game. Here's how to kick the nerves and boost your confidence.


WHEN YOU'VE GOT A BIG WORK MEETING...
You know you're smart and capable, but job pressures can rattle even cool chicks. In order to be at your very best, you need to calm your nerves and remind yourself just how impressive you are.

Take a short walk. Instead of sitting there stressing, head out for a quick walk around the block. It'll boost your energy and reduce tension, putting you into a more positive and focused state of mind.

Make small talk. According to a study done at the California State University at Long Beach, light chitchat is a stress reliever, especially for women. Gossip with a coworker for a few

All the beauty moves you'll need to stay hot while you're away from home on vacation? Read on before you head out.

1) Do some prep work. "Whether you're heading north or south, a change in climate can really dry out your hair," says hairstylist Ashley Javier. Apply a deep-conditioning treatment before you go (just leave it on for 20 minutes while you pack) so your hair has some extra moisture reserves to draw on when you're on the go. Want to know what guys really think about your looks? Find out.

2) Call a truce with your natural texture. You should spend your time off kicking back, not stressing about unruly curls. "You can look great using nothing more than conditioner and a black elastic," says India Hicks, creative partner at Crabtree and Evelyn, who lives in the Bahamas. Hicks simply combs a light cream conditioner through her long wavy locks when they're damp and ties them back in a low ponytail. If your hair is coarse, stylist Ted Gibson recommends choosing a

Whether you've gotten a pink slip or arrived late to an important meeting, career expert Lois P. Frankel explains how to deal when you screw up at work. Plus: Watch this video for tips on how to wow any boss.

IF YOU GET LAID OFF: Avoid the temptation to throw your computer out of the window. In this economy you need to start immediately. Even if you only have one day left at your job, use the time to network with your co-workers and find out about opportunities that aren't posted on mega-job boards. If possible, get a reference letter from your boss and grill HR about your severance package, unemployment benefits, and 401(k). Try one of these 7 kickass new jobs to restart your career.

IF YOUR BOSS SEES YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND COMMENTS ON AN EMBARRASSING PHOTO: Untag the photo immediately and do damage control. Approach your boss and say, "I just want to let you know I took down that Facebook photo you commented on. It made me see how unprofessional it was. Thank

Cosmo dug deep into the minds of guys to find out what turns them on when the sunny weather calls for showing a little skin. Plus, find out what guys really think about your hair and make-up.

1) One-Shoulder Dress

"When a girl shows off her shoulders it tells me that she's confident. This dress is classy and sexy all at once." - Brad, 22

Lulu's, $33

Rating: Ridiculously Effing Hot

2) Seersucker Sundress

"The pattern is eye-catching and I'm really digging the thin straps." -- D.G., 20

American Eagle, $39.95

Rating: Hot

3) Plaid Shirtdress

"It reminds me of a shirt that I own. A girl wearing a guy's shirt is always hot." - Fabian, 19

Heritage 1981, $22.90

Rating: Hot

Video: Watch this and get ready to get hit on all the time.

4) Little Black Dress

"Guess what? We love your 'little black dresses' as much as you do." - Alex, 22

Forever 21, $24.80

Check out these cute bikini's with totally skimpy price