LunarBeauty

How to align your beauty routine with the lunar cycle

For thousands of years, experts have studied the mystery and magic of the moon, from how each phase can effect our behaviour, mood, and even our menstrual cycles.

But did you know, the moon can also be used to enhance our monthly beauty routines? Teaming with lunar and holistic expert and founder of Living with the Moon, Jutta Russell, we reveal how to tailor your beauty routine to align with the lunar cycle. Explore our beauty tips, health tips, and the best scents to use during each phase of the lunar cycle. Click the boxes below each section to reveal what our expert says.

For thousands of years, experts have studied the mystery and magic of the moon, from how each phase can effect our behaviour, mood, and even our menstrual cycles.

But did you know, the moon can also be used to enhance our monthly beauty routines? Teaming with lunar and holistic expert and founder of Living with the Moon, Jutta Russell, we reveal how to tailor your beauty routine to align with the lunar cycle.

Phases of the moon

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Phases of the moon

The First Quarter

Waxing Crescent Moon

A new moon cycle starts with the first sight of a small crescent on the horizon. This crescent grows until the moon comes to lie at a 90-degree angle to the sun. This is also known as the First Quarter, which is a great time to switch up your skincare routine and practice self-care.

What this means?

The First Quarter

Waxing Crescent Moon

Traditionally it is seen as the best time to start a new activity or project. Many people find they are inspired by the world around them during the First Quarter, as it is similar to the seasonal energy of spring.

Use this time to connect with nature and soak up some fresh air and think creatively about questions and projects.

Beauty tips

Apply extra moisture to your skin, focusing on dry areas such as your elbows, knees, and balms of your feet
Nourish your hair with an intensive hair mask
Try adding a new product to your skincare routine
Indulge in a pamper night during this time to reap the most benefit

Top health tip

Stay healthy with lemon and ginger water

During the First Quarter try swapping your morning coffee for a cup of hot water with lemon and ginger. This resets your body’s PH and helps to avoid inflammations and infections.

Fill a tea pot (3-4 cups of tea) with boiling water, add the juice of 1 lemon and a couple of freshly cut ginger pieces. Leave it to stand for about 10 minutes and drink it over the morning.

Best scents

Use fragrances that stimulate your mind and ignite your senses. Use fresh, invigorating scents that make you feel alive.

Lemon
Rosemary
Ginger
Eucalyptus
What our expert says

The Second Quarter

Waxing Gibbous Moon

After the waxing half moon, more of the disk is illuminated than is dark. The illuminated portion continues to grow until the moon is full. During this time, your body asborbs the most, so it's vital to add extra moisture.

What this means?

The Second Quarter

Waxing Gibbous Moon

The Second Quarter’s energy equals that of summer. You are enthusiastic and keen to create partnerships, showcase products and socialise. There is no better time to perform, represent and celebrate.

During this time, try adding a few minutes of ‘brainstorming’ to your daily routine. Whether it’s a new business venture, or a gift for a friend, you’ll have the best ideas right now.

Beauty tips

Use plenty of body oils, especially if you have dry or ageing skin
This is the best time to have a spa treatment
Ensure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals
Avoid too many harsh toxins such as alcohol, salt, and sugar

Top health tip

Make your own Arnica body oil

Fill half a glass jar with fresh arnica blossoms, add organic virgin olive oil and leave it to stand in a sunny position for one full moon cycle. Make sure the lid is firmly on as you will need to give it the occasional shake.

A month later strain the oil through a sieve and refill it into a dark glass bottle. This time make sure you keep it well away from direct sun to protect its potency. It should keep for a few months. You can add about 20 drops into your bath water or use it as massage oil.

Best scents

Use fragrance to enhance your mood and fight anxiety. Citrus fruits such as orange and mandarin are great antioxidants, whilst vetiver can help to relax your muscles and ease aches and pains after a hard day.

Orange
Vetiver
Verbena
Mandarin
What our expert says

The Second Quarter

The Full Moon

The moon comes to lie directly opposite the sun. All the sunlight can be reflected back to the earth and we see a Full Moon. This is the most romantic time during the lunar cycle and the perfect time to plan a date.

What this means?

The Second Quarter

The Full Moon

The Full Moon is a time when we’re naturally accelerated, energy is flowing, and things will naturally come to a head. Emotions are heightened now, too, making it a great time to give thanks.

As we’re enraptured by love and romance during this phase, it’s the perfect opportunity to make time for someone special.

Beauty tips

This is the best time to get a hair cut
Use this as an opportunity to glam up
Take a makeup lesson
Get creative with your makeup, try a new shade of lipstick or experiment with eye palettes

Top health tip

Invigorate your scalp with nettle tea

Brew a cup of strong nettle tea, using two tea bags and let it cool to room temperature. After washing and towel drying your hair, slowly massage the tea into your scalp, starting at the front and working towards the back. If you have a lot of tea left over repeat the process again, but don’t wash it out.

As nettle stimulates the hair roots and over time helps with hair growth, you should repeat this every full moon.

Best scents

Warming scents such as sandalwood and amber will fill the air with romance, whilst essential oils such as patchouli can boost the condition of your hair and scalp, balancing natural oils.

Patchouli
Sandalwood
Ylang-ylang
Amber
Rose
What our expert says

The Third Quarter

Waning Gibbous Moon

The moon moves now into the last leg, the Fourth Quarter and its energy is like winter. It appears as a sliver in the sky just before sunrise. Eventually, the moon and sun will rise at the same time, which is the next new moon. It's the best time to remove body hair, as regrowth is much slower throughout this stage.

What this means?

The Third Quarter

Waning Gibbous Moon

The beginning of the Fourth Quarter is still very busy and active, but towards the end, we are deliberately slowing down. During this time, you should put any unresolved issues to rest and clear your mind from clutter.

From the New Moon to now, you will have become aware of certain things in your life that could be released. The Last Quarter gives us fantastic energetic support release and break negative patterns.

Beauty tips

Clean your makeup products
Remove body hair
Use products that are gentle and calming on the skin
Try herbal teas to reduce inflammation

Top health tip

Indulge in an Epsom salt bath

A regular bath with Epsom salts has many benefits as they're known for having healing, exfoliating and slimming effects. They can also be used for pain relief and muscle relaxation.

Run a warm to hot bath, add two handfuls of Epsom salts, along with 20 drops of essential oil to your bath water. Bathe for about 15-20 minutes and try to really unwind.

During this time, it’s best to use cream-based moisturisers, rather than oils, when you get out.

Best scents

Right now, you need scents that help you unwind and slow down naturally. Pine and juniper help to relieve muscle aches, whilst camphor can be used to clear out any signs of a cold or cough.

Rosemary
Peppermint
Camphor
Juniper
Pine
What our expert says

The Fourth Quarter

Waning Crescent Moon

Continuing its journey, the moon is now decreasing and is known the Waning Moon. Like the waxing process, it takes around seven days to complete the Third Quarter and its energy compares to autumn. Now is the best time to exfoliate your body and cleanse your mind.

What this means?

The Fourth Quarter

Waning Crescent Moon

Traditionally the first day of the Waning Moon is the best time to start a new health or fitness regime. You may feel like things feel hectic during this phase, so it's a good idea to start a to-do list and be more organised.

See the Waning Moon as a time to let go, release, retire, and remove anything from your life that is no longer serving you. This might include discarding of old habits, closing a business, or throwing out old clothes.

Beauty tips

Invest in a body brush and exfoliate your skin
Drink extra water
Use a detoxifying body lotion
Start a new health or fitness program

Top health tip

Make your own body scrub

Peel an orange, lemon, and lime and set the peel aside to dry for three to four days, on a baking sheet away from direct sunlight. Once the peel is brittle, blend in a food processor until it becomes a rough powder.

To make the body scrub, take two tablespoons and combine with the same quantity of porridge oats, along with one teaspoon of honey and warm milk. Stir the mixture to make a thick paste.

Apply the mixture all over your body and wait until it's dried. Then simply shower off to reveal super smooth skin!

Best scents

Use scents that allow you to focus and clear your mind. Peppermint can help improve mental function, whilst cinnamon is perfect for fighting infections and clearing your body from toxins.

Cinnamon
Peppermint
Grapefruit
Cedarwood
What our expert says

The Fourth Quarter

New Moon

We have now arrived at New Moon. The moon lies directly between the earth and the sun and no sunlight can be reflected back to earth. This is the dark period of the moon cycle and a time for rest, relaxation, and planning ahead.

What this means?

The Fourth Quarter

New Moon

This is a time for reflection and new beginnings. It's the calm before the next whirlwind cycle starts, and is known as being a natural rest period.

We need to cleanse our body and mind right now, so get set to relax and find a sacred space for meditating, manifesting or self-reflecting. During the New Moon, we are also given an extra boost of intention-setting energy. Why not hone it by focusing on one or two intentions you’re particularly passionate about?

Beauty tips

Clean your makeup products
Remove body hair
Use products that are gentle and calming on the skin
Try herbal teas to reduce inflammation

Top health tip

Make a Skin Smoothing Clay mask

This unique recipe uses lactic acid found in milk to remove dead skin cells, making it completely natural and free from chemicals. The clay will clear out your pores, whilst the honey will help to soothe your skin. For one mask you will need.

3 - 4 tablespoons whole milk
2 tablespoons clay (Green or French Clay and White Kaolin are good choices)
1 tablespoon of bran flakes
1 teaspoon honey
2 drops of essential oil Frankincense

Mix the ingredients and apply evenly to the face avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 15 minutes or until dry. Next, add a splash of water onto your face and massage the face mask off before applying a gentle night cream.

Best scents

As it’s vital to get a good night’s sleep right now, use relaxing scents that help relieve stress and promote relaxation.

Lavender
Chamomile
Vanilla
Frankincense
What our expert says

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