Here’s her star sign guide to beauty by the moon.
There are many things people consult when it comes to their hair and beauty routine. Friends. Their partner. YouTube vlogger Zoella. The inside of celebrities’ makeup bags.Not many look to the moon. Yes, that white, glowing orb that hangs about in the sky every night. But Queensland astrologer and author A.K. Leigh (her debut novel is See Her Run) reckons we should pay it some attention.
“The gravitational pull of the moon has a well-known, documented and observable impact on the earth’s oceans and bodies of water. It is believed that because humans are made up of 50 to 75 per cent water, the moon also affects us (and every other living thing such as plants and animals).” This includes impacting on our beauty, hair and skin regimens.
According to the moon phases – and Leigh – there are ideal times to primp certain areas, as follows:
Cutting your hair: “If you want your hair to grow faster, cut it during the period of time when the moon is growing in size, known as the ‘waxing moon’, as it helps to stimulate growth. The week leading up to the full moon is best. Avoid cutting it during the waning moon, when the moon is decreasing in size, as this can slow down regrowth. On the other hand, if you want your hair to remain shorter for longer, cut it during the waning phase! Cutting your hair on the day of the full moon or new moon is also believed to result in thicker, longer, stronger hair.”
Colouring your hair: “To make your hair colour last longer, dye it during the waning phase of the lunar cycle.”
Trimming your nails: “For faster-growing nails, you want to trim them during the waxing phase. For strong nails, carry out manicures on the day of the full moon.”
Rejuvenating your skin and hair: “Do this during the waxing phase. The skin is more supple and receptive to moisturising at that time. Facials and hair treatments are likely to have a better result, too. Want your hair to shine? Shampoo, condition and treat on the day of the full moon.”
Repairing and detoxing your skin and hair: “Repair during the waxing phase, detox and exfoliate during the waning and dark moon phases. The dark moon is the time when the moon is not visible in the sky for two to three days each month, immediately before the new moon.”
Removing body hair: “Avoid laser, waxing and plucking-type hair removal on the day of the full moon. Pain receptors are more sensitive. Consider these treatments during the waning and dark moon phases to both slow regrowth and limit pain.”
Dental care: “For the reason listed above (i.e. pain), avoid getting dental surgery on a full moon. The waxing phase is best for any special dental care regimens. For whiter, brighter teeth, use a bicarbonate soda paste or whitening product at full moon.”
GO LUNAR WITH YOUR MAKEUP
Team your new, zippy, lunar beauty routines with this out-of-this-world, luminescent look, courtesy of Adelaide makeup artist Filiz Nicolitsi:
- Prime the skin with Estee Lauder’s Illuminating Perfecting Primer. Add a small drop of BeneFit’s Moon Beam highlighter to Stila’s Illuminating Foundation, and using a foundation brush, carefully blend all over the face to create a glimmering radiance to your skin.
- Set the skin with a light dusting of Youngblood’s Hi-Definition Mineral Perfecting Powder to keep it hydrated.
- Gently pat Mirenesse Icon Sealer Concealer in ‘ice’ under your eye area. It contains real traces of diamonds, which reflect the light and brighten. Bye-bye dark circles!
- Using an eyeshadow brush, apply ‘dusk’ Lunar Dust by Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics across the eyelid and contour the outer corners and bottom lash line with ‘topaz’ pressed eyeshadow.
- With a contour brush, apply Lunar Dust powder in ‘twilight’ by Youngblood. It’s enriched with mica and rice starch, which will add a glowy reflection onto your cheeks, temples and brow bone for extra spark!
- Apply Make Up Store’s Bronzing Powder in ‘beam’ under the cheekbones and décolletage with a large powder brush for maximum impact.
- Define the top and bottom lashes using Make Up Store’s Coloured Mascara in ‘blue’ and add matching glitter to the tips.
- Add a layer of ‘barely nude’ lipstick and ‘champagne ice’ gloss to the lips by Youngblood.
- To finish your look, apply two coats of Illamasqua varnish in ‘luna’ to your nails, and you’re set to go!
Carla Caruso is a freelance journalist and author. Her latest book, Starcrossed, follows four girls on a cosmic retreat on rugged Kangaroo Island, where strange things start to happen. Visit www.carlacaruso.com.au.
