How to align your beauty regime to the lunar cycle
By Alex Fox | 06 February 2021 | Feature, Health & wellbeing
Lunar expert, Jutta Russell, offers advice on aligning your beauty regime to the cycles of the moon… 
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? Lunar and holistic expert & founder of Living with the Moon, Jutta Russell, reveals how to tailor your beauty routine to align with the lunar cycle.
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.
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 feet
• Nourish hair with an intensive hair mask
• Try adding a new product to your skincare routine
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 the 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 the mind and ignite the senses. Use fresh, invigorating scents that make you feel alive – such as lemon, rosemary, ginger and eucalyptus.
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, the body aborbs the most, so it’s vital to add extra moisture.
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
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 muscles and ease aches and pains after a hard day.
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.
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
TOP HEALTH TIP
INVIGORATE THE 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, over time it helps with hair growth, you should repeat this every full moon.
BEST SCENTS
Warming scents such as sandalwood, rose 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.
THE THIRD QUARTER
Waning Gibbous Moon
The moon moves into its 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.
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 breaks negative patterns.
BEAUTY TIPS
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.
THE FOURTH QUARTER
Waning Crescent Moon
Continuing its journey, the moon is now decreasing and is known as 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.
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 are 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
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.
THE FOURTH QUARTER
New Moon
The new 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.
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?
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 such as lavender, chamomile, vanilla and frankincense.
