Like almost every other 20something on this planet, you could say I’m really into astrology. I’m definitely that person in my friend group sending all the Leo memes (usually with a comment like, “OMG so meeeee”). I know all the personality traits associated with every sign (not just my own!), I have Co–Star and Pattern, I’ve done multiple birth chart readings, and I’m currently in the middle of an in-depth convo with a friend who’s an astrologer about whether or not we are about to enter the Age of Aquarius. Basically, I’m in deep.
So, since astrology was already so intertwined in my day-to-day life, I had a kinda genius quarantine thought a few weeks ago: Why not let the stars determine my skincare routine? I reached out to Lisa Stardust, an amazing astrologist, to help me out with my experiment. Using the Moon phases, astrological transits, and how they relate to my birth chart, she gave me a personalized skincare routine to try out for seven days. The only rule? Throughout the week, I wouldn’t put anything on my face unless Lisa gave me the okay.
Day One
Today’s transits are Mercury enters Gemini, Mars enters Pisces, and Saturn Retrograde begins moonwalking from Aquarius to Capricorn. The Moon is in Capricorn too. Since three of the four elements are being activated today (earth, air, and water), we should add the missing element, fire, to your skincare routine. No, you aren’t lighting your face on fire or burning anything. You’re just placing your face in front of steam, then cooling it down with ice immediately after. Rub peppermint and lemon oils together, or you can combine real lemon and a few sprigs of peppermint with water on your face to soothe your skin. —Lisa Stardust
FYI, for the purpose of my experiment, I decide to follow Lisa’s advice in the evening, since my a.m. routine is basically me splashing water on my face and rubbing a moisturizer in. But by day one, I already hit a roadblock. I absolutely refuse to put lemon on my face (sorry, astrology, but it’s way too harsh for most skin types) and I don’t have any peppermint on hand. Instead, I boil some water on a stove (talk about DIY, am I right?) and let the steam run over my face—which actually helps soften up my pores a little—then I rush to cool down my skin with ice. I skip the lemon and opt for a thin layer of my favorite face oil before I jump into bed.
Naturium Plant Squalane Face Oil
Burt's Bees Facial Oil with Rosehip Extract
The Outset Ultralight Moisture-Boosting Botanical Oil
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Firming Oil
Day Two
Let your skin relax today. The Moon is void, of course, in Capricorn for most of the day and enters Aquarius in the evening. You can follow your normal skincare routine this evening and take note of the progress your skin is making. —LS
NGL, my normal skincare routine during quarantine has low-key been nonexistent, so to keep things consistent, I do the bare minimum and just wash my face with a gentle cleanser and smooth on a lightweight moisturizer. I can’t tell if my skin looks better or if it’s my eyes playing tricks on me. I end up deciding that, yes, it does look better, and I snap a couple of selfies to send to my group chat.
Moisturizers for Every Skin Type
Garnier SkinActive Water Rose 24H Moisture Cream
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion
Day Three
Venus turns retrograde in Gemini (lasting until June 25). This is a great time to connect with an old-school skincare regimen that stands the test of time. Being that Venus Retrograde is in Gemini (an air sign), you’ll want to use vapor, like steam or a hot towel, to open up your pores. —LS
Another steam day! Which is great, TBH, because it is only one step and fits right in with my lazy skincare routine. I opt for a hot towel, close my eyes, and pretend like I’m in a spa instead of my dingy NYC bathroom. And because I can’t stand the feeling of dry skin, I cheat (sorry!!) and put on some moisturizer after.
Day Four
The Last Quarter Moon in Aquarius is today, which will make your skin crave some extra TLC. Jupiter begins its retrograde journey backward in Capricorn. Being that it aligns with Uranus and Neptune in your chart, you’ll want to add oils like vitamin E or rose to your face. Frankincense oil is also good to reduce inflammation, but the scent may be too strong for others. However, your Grand Fire Trine may enjoy the pungent scent. —LS
Another roadblock: I don’t have any vitamin E, rose oil, or frankincense oil at my apartment (shocking considering how much of a product hoarder I am), so I just apply the same face oil that I used on day one. There’s vitamin E in it, so it counts, k? Also, she’s right—I do love a strong scent. I can’t help it! It’s def because of the fact that I’m a triple fire (aka Leo Sun, Aries Rising, and Sag Moon)—it makes my personality, and the things that I’m drawn to, a little more intense.
Day Five
Under today’s Pisces Moon, you’ll want to awaken your sleep from its slumber. Put a face roller in the fridge and use the cool energy to detox and glow up your skin. —LS
TBH, at this point, I’m not sure if my skin is showing any actual signs of improvement, but it feels pretty damn good to roll a jade stone all over it. Yes, I know that jade rollers don’t actually have the ability to lift and tighten, but it just makes me feel so relaxed. And not gonna lie, after a nice rolling session, it does look a little less puffy (even if the effect is only temporary).
Try One of These 4 Face Rollers
Pacifica Crystal Wand Secret Weapon Facial Roller
Skin Gym Blue Sodalite Face Roller
Esker Beauty Allover Jade Roller
Day Six
Under today’s Pisces Moon, take a chamomile- and lavender-infused bath. Soak a towel in the infusion before entering the bath and place the warm towel on your face for 10 minutes while in the bath. This ancient tonic will help reduce aging and accelerate cell growth. —LS
Remember the dingy NYC bathroom I mentioned? Yeah, it’s not really made for a bath. But for the sake of this story, I decide to get on my hands and knees and clean the tub before my soak. Unfortunately for my roommates, I hate cleaning, so I complain the entire time (which, yes, is very Leo of me). But once I add in the chamomile and lavender oils and my body hits the tub, all of my annoyance seems to melt away. I feel a sense of calm, which is kinda rare for me rn, given, you know, the whole pandemic thing.
Day Seven
Try a hydrating skin mask to add moisture to your skin under the tender Pisces Moon. You can even make a mask of avocado and honey if you have supplies. —LS
I love a good face mask, so I go with a Tatcha sheet mask (it’s packed with hydrating ingredients like red algae and rice-germ oil) instead of the homemade option. I let it sink in for about 10 minutes while I scroll on IG. After I take off the mask, I massage the juices into my face and my skin looks mad bouncy, if I do say so myself. And since I feel super moisturized after using the mask, I don’t put anything else on my face before I get into bed.
The Best Sheet Masks
Garnier Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb The Super Hydrating Mask Soothing
The Verdict
Okay, so I’m not sure if I really noticed that big of a difference from day one to day seven, but in astrology’s defense, it takes several weeks to notice a true difference in your skin on a new routine. But on the bright side, none of what I did negatively affected my skin.
It was also nice to take a break from using the same products every day and pare back my routine (most days, I used only two products max). And TBH, Lisa’s advice felt pretty on point. Everything from the luxe bath to the fancy sheet mask fit my over-the-top and super-extra Leo personality without wreaking havoc on my face. I’d consider that a win, for sure.
According to dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale, sticking to a single routine is key to see significant changes in your skin. But some days (based on, you know, if Mercury is retrograde), you may need a little more of this or that. IMO, it’s totally okay to listen to your skin’s needs (or listen to the stars) and switch things up once in a while.
