Cosmo - (Cosmopolitan)

Member Name: pink lady

Product:	Cosmopolitan
Date:	19/07/00 (62 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: glossy and fun!!

Disadvantages: very little real substance!

I buy Cosmo every so often, usually because (like most of the other reviewers!) I am attracted by this months free gift. These gifts are usually better quality than much of the rubbish which is given away by other magazines, but usually once I have actually bought the magazine, the gift doesn't seem very useful anymore and ends up stuffed in the back of the wardrobe!!!

Cosmo does have some interesting and informative articles, especially the saucy sex guides which are always fun to read with your mates, and the more serious "issue" articles, which are often thought provoking, even though they often appear more like the "true-life horror" type of story rather than a thoroughly researched piece of journalism. My main complaint with Cosmo, would have to be its inconsistency. In just one issue it will often have articles designed to inspire women to be independent, successful and not have to rely on a relationship with a man to boost their self esteem, then on the next page will be a feature about how to pick up men and keep them interested. Likewise, whilst constantly emphasising the fact that women should not base their self esteem on their dress size, almost every issue has many references to diets and exercise plans!!! Perhaps this inconsistency is merely the magazine responding to the confused image which women have of their role nowadays.

Whatever the truth of the matter, Cosmo continues to provide attractive, glossy, and essentially superficial reading matter. The fashion pages are beautiful, OK, you may not be able to afford the clothes, but you can have a great time tracking down high street alternatives.

All in all, you get what you expect from Cosmo. If you want intellectual stimulation - buy a book. But if you just want a glossy magazine to dip into for fashion and girlie stuff, then Cosmo is for you!!

By the way, if anyone was wondering about the nude male centrefolds in a recent issue
- there were some lovely men, but there was also Darren Day - a shocking sight!!!

Summary: