Beauty Tips For Your Astrological Sign

Whether or not you put a lot of credence into astrology, reading your horoscope (and your friends') can be an enjoyable little respite from real life. But your sign provides more than just a side of amusement for avid followers — it lays out a basic guide for maximizing potential, personal authenticity, and even astrological beauty tips. Those beauty tips may not always be at the forefront of your horoscope. Usually, suggestions around approaching your career, your love life, your finances, and your family come up first. But if you dig a little deeper and assess your sign's traits and what's in transit, those planets are giving you hints here and there about whether now is a good time to dye your hair, or if you should stick to your standard manicure.

Of course, many horoscopes are pure fluff. There are quite a few independent astrologers with a lot of clout who write very in-depth weekly horoscopes worth reading, but allegedly, some larger publications recycle the basics. But many of the basic personality traits attributed to the sun signs hold at least a little bit of significance for many people. Based on those traits, each sign's ruling planets, and their associated elements, here are a few beauty tips to help you get in touch with your inner fire, air, water, or earth sign.

Before you dig in, listen to astrologer Susan Miller give her 2016 love and life predictions by sign on Bustle's podcast The Chat Room:

Aries (March 21 - April 20)

Ruled by Mars, and the first sign in the zodiac, Aries is a cardinal fire sign, so they have a tendency to initiate things with much vigor, and will usually follow through, but impatience can be their Achilles Heel. These folks are rumored to make excellent, loyal parents and truly candid friends. Their tenacity and passion are romantically intriguing, and horoscopes tend to suggest that they navigate well in the bedroom.

True To Your Sign: Wear some red. Be it lipstick or a hot pair of pumps, having that splash of red in your day-to-day should invigorate you, and help you channel a lovely, confident attitude (it's certainly worth a try, right?).

MAC Red Lipstick, $17, Check It Out

Sam Edelman Dayna Dress Pump, $95, Amazon

Try Something New: Fire is stoked by wind, so if you're looking to expand your beauty repertoire, consider adding something characteristic of an air sign. Add a splash of glitter and iridescent shimmer to your makeup palette, or treat your hair to a rosemary rinse — rosemary is rumored to support your sign, and vivacious hair is definitely an air quality.

Weleda Rosemary Conditioning Hair Oil, $13, Amazon

Taurus (April 21 - May 21)

Taureans take their cues from Venus, and are essentially the sturdy, predictable folk of the zodiac. Being an earth sign with fixed tendencies, a Taurus is not one to reinvent the wheel. Rules and order appeal to them, and they enjoy indulging the pleasures of life — comfort, food, and libations — sometimes in excess. According to many astrologers, if you're looking to woo a Taurus, sharing an appreciation for a well-crafted meal will go a long way. Taureans are conscientious and generous, and generally enjoy sharing their hard-earned spoils with a close inner circle of friends and family, to whom they become quite dedicated. These earthy folk love home, and have a tendency to be quite dignified.

True To Your Sign: You're classic and romantic, so dabbling in the latest trends may not be your style. However, keeping a clear, radiant complexion most certainly is. After all, what's more classic than an impeccable canvas upon which to begin your beauty routine? Indulge in a saffron-infused moisturizing and cleansing oil before washing your face at night to glean an extra glow.

Suki Balancing Facial Moisture, $28.95, Amazon

Try Something New: Perfect and finish your foundation with Refining Finishing Powder from Juice Beauty. This certified organic line will appeal to your earthy side, and leave your skin worry-free while you enjoy the pleasures life has to offer.

Juice Beauty Refining Finishing Powder, $22, Amazon

Gemini (May 22 - June 21)

Urban Decay Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder for Face and Body , $30, Macy's

One of the most versatile signs in the zodiac, Gemini is ruled by Mercury and is a mutable air sign, which means we're (I'm a Gemini) pretty adaptable. Represented by twins, whatever we exhibit externally is usually only half the story, as we have a tendency to be the ultimate blend of introversion and extroversion — projecting one reality and intellectually analyzing another on the inside. If you give a Gemini a chance, you're bound to be lead on a seriously intriguing mental escapade, as we're imaginative, generally love to experience new things, and long to communicate about them thoroughly.

True To Your Sign: Add some shimmer to your skin. Geminis are ever-changing, so an unearthly iridescent glow applied to our skin fits our beauty bill perfectly. Consider playing with Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder for Face and Body by Urban Decay. Being air signs, most Geminis also enjoy scalp stimulation. Try an at-home hair mask, and ask your sweetheart to massage your scalp while they apply it or once it's washed out.

Revivogen Volumizing Hair Mask, $35, Amazon

Try Something New: Want to stay grounded for a while? Perhaps it's time to balance your air element with some earth. If they work with your color palette, try incorporating more earth tones in your wardrobe and eye shadow selection. Or if you'd like some emotional balance, play with blues and blacks to incorporate more of the water element into your life.

Bobbi Brown Telluride Eye Palette, $52, Nordstrom

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)

Cancer is yet another group shrouded in mystery. Ruled by the moon, Cancers are cardinal water signs, which means they are driven by emotions, yet also seek stability. Often most comfortable at home in their cozy nests, so to speak, women of this sign are known for their strong maternal instincts, and can at times be quite formidable (mama bear syndrome, so to speak). However, they're quite kind and sympathetic toward their loved ones, and usually maintain a great appreciation for art, literature, and drama.

True To Your Sign: Find a silver moon ring to wear as a talisman. Paint your nails in lovely silvers, grays, and greens (stick to the colors of the moon and the sea). Bathe in lavender, and give yourself time to luxuriate in the soothing, cleansing aspects of a good soak. You'll feel revitalized and in touch with your aqueous emotions.

L'Occitane Lavender Harvest Foaming Bath, $38, Amazon

Try Something New: Feeling bogged down by your subtle yin side? Tap into the yang of your opposite element, fire. Play with dark berry lipstains that channel both your water sign vibes and a hint of passionate fire.

Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint in Dark Berry , $24, Macy's

Leo (July 23 - August 21)

Having grown up with a Leo (and having dated one for quite some time), I can attest that they are fine folk, and that yes, for all intents and purposes, the universe does revolve around them. These fiercely loyal and regal bunch are ruled by the sun, generally making them lively and energetic. They also happen to be fixed fire signs, so they know what they want — and more often than not, they get it.

True To Your Sign: Have you considered strobing? Essentially the opposite of contouring, strobing is adding highlights to the skin to create a glowing, sun-kissed complexion — perfect for Leo royalty. Strobing is a fairly low-effort technique that leaves you looking radiant. Don't tell me that's not right up your alley.

CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight, $22, Check It Out

Try Something New: Striving for genuine complexion glory? It may be time to try multi-masking, the new beauty trend that's all about localized treatment. It's kind of a perfectionist's dream, and may be the perfect way for you to get just what you want. Who knows, maybe you can find someone to rub your feet while you do it.

Virgo (August 22 - September 23)

Dignified, emotionally rich, and fairly conservative, Virgos are mutable earth signs and are ruled by Mercury, so communication usually has a lot to do with their lifestyle. With the potential to be quite methodical and thorough, Virgos are often reliable, and financially responsible. If you're a Virgo, odds are good that you're fairly sophisticated, well-spoken, and maybe even a bit reserved.

True To Your Sign: What's important to typical Virgos? Looking polished. No matter what your personal style is, you want to shine and appear purposeful. And what's the number-one way to achieve that? Keep those brows on fleek. Yeah, I said it. Great brow hygiene means you're on top of your game, in control, and fully capable of looking absolutely chic at the same time.

Anastasia Brow Wiz, $25, Amazon

Try Something New: Sick of your same old eyebrow routine, but want a proven, reliable method for keeping those bushies in line? Try having your eyebrows threaded. It's actually a very old practice.

Helix Threadease Hair Removal Kit , $23.99, Amazon

Libra (September 24 - October 23)

Balance. There could be no higher calling for a Libra. As cardinal air signs ruled by Venus, Libras often make amiable and peaceful companions who are quick-witted and enjoy hearty conversation (which is why I appreciate them so much). They tend to be intelligent, have elegant or refined taste, and are more often than not quite attuned to the needs of others. Known for having a great appreciation of the arts and a dislike of vulgarity, Libras often seek compromise and avoid undue confrontation.

True To Your Sign: Since you want balance in your life, no doubt you'll want it for your skin. Even-Tone Brightening Serum by Suki should help you find just that. It's a natural, oil-based serum that absorbs quickly and helps prevent spots, hyper-pigmentation, and circles, and even reduces the appearance of scars (that is, if you don't want to show them off).

Suki Even-Tone Brightening Serum, $46.99, Amazon

Try Something New: Want to push yourself to new limits? Perhaps it's time to consider an asymmetrical haircut? Your sense of balance may be challenged, but the sleek clean lines will appeal to your refined side.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)

Scorpios are fierce. The highly sensual sign is ruled by Mars/Pluto, and is a fixed water sign, which leads to their general mystery and intrigue. Magnetic, and with a tendency to vacillate between a tranquil exterior and a sometimes aggressive inner monologue, Scorpios can be pretty intense. They usually exhibit great willpower, and do well in positions that allow them to investigate, research, and analyze.

True To Your Sign: Nothing quite says fierce like bold lashes, and luckily, MAC has a new mascara that's all about height, length, and volume. Try out their Upward Lash Black Mascara with your next cat eye.

MAC Upward Lash Mascara, $22, Check It Out

Try Something New: Looking to soften things up a bit? Consider a lavender or geranium essential oil facial wash before bed to ground and soothe.

Indigo Wild Zum Face Gentle Facial Cleanser , $20, Amazon

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 22)

Wanderlust much? Sagittarius are known for their independent attitudes and their love of freedom, which is no wonder, since they're mutable fire signs. Sagittarius folk are great in social situations, and tend to have an uncanny ability to make others feel welcome and included. Perhaps it's their optimism, or their enthusiastic idealism, but if you know a Sagittarius, chances are they're one of your faves. And if you are a Sagittarius, you've got a lot to smile about.

True To Your Sign: For all of your travels, invest in a pack of Acure Argan Cleansing Towelettes. Not only are they cleansing and soothing, helping to keep you free of pimples on the road, but Acure is an environmentally conscious company, so you can feel good about your purchase.

Acure Argan Oil Cleansing Towelettes , $8, Amazon

Try Something New: Maybe the concept of getting a tattoo isn't new for you, personally, but getting a fresh tattoo is. Check out these travel-inspired tattoos to help document your adventures.

Capricorn (December 23 - January 20)

Cappies are reliable to a fault. Of all your friends, the Capricorn of the group is most likely to be the one who's got their life in order. They may even be the one most likely to bail you out of jail. If you're a Capricorn, you're a cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn, and it's more than likely that you're incredibly independent. Capricorns have a tendency to appear calm, and aren't easily deterred from tasks that hold significance for them. They're usually prone to deep thought, considering their path carefully before dedicating themselves to a long-term situation.

True To Your Sign: Try working with a palette of olives, caramels, and charcoals, especially for eye shadow. If these colors work with your optimal palette, they'll be a lovely way to align the depth of your personality to your external earthy beauty.

Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette, $59, Check It Out

Try Something New: Just because you cherish structure doesn't mean you have to be basic. Experiment with cutting-edge fashion, strong lines, and bold makeup to find your perfect fit.

Aquarius (January 21 - February 19)

Exquisitely eccentric, Aquarians are fixed air signs (not water signs, as their name kind of implies), ruled by Saturn and/or Uranus (depending on what astrological mode you follow). Aquarians are progressive, experimental, and often have a distinct sense of almost mystical style. It's rumored that they'll be leading us into the future — which seems like a big job, but if anyone can handle it, it's this bunch.

True To Your Sign: If you don't already have a closet and makeup stash full of blue and aqua highlights and statements, then you just found a new excuse to go shopping. These are the colors of your sign, and if they suit your personal palette, you may find yourself pretty drawn to them (especially in subtle sweeps of teal or aqua eyeliner). Of course, you'll want to find an eco-friendly, humanitarian-based company that aligns with your righteous (I mean that in the most groovy way possible) attitude. Why not check out a lovely aqua summer Wrap-Her Dress by Nau, a company dedicated to making sustainable clothing.

blinc Eyeliner , $26, Amazon

Try Something New: Get in touch with your inner mermaid. Dye that hair blue, try out some beach curls, and dab just a little Neroli oil (the Aquarian signature essential oil) on your wrists to remind you of your creative, quirky self. Mermaids may come from the water, but water strengthens air, and you need all the strength you can get to rock your original personality.

Enessa Neroli Oil, $29.95

Try Enessa Facial Nourishment in Geranium, $48, Amazon

Pisces (February 20 - March 20)

Rose Geranium HydroSoul, Amazon.com, $24

Ah, the fishes. Pisces is the emotionally driven, Neptune-ruled, mutable water sign, capable of great depth and introspection. These types are often exceptionally intuitive and sensitive to others, and when they're in our corner, they make some of the very dearest friends. With their gifts of compassion and affection, Pisces are usually very easy to be around. Exceptionally artistic and creative, many have little trouble dreaming up entire worlds of their own, and do quite well in positions where they can combine their typically caring nature with their day-to-day work.

True to Your Sign: It's time to find your hydrosol. You thrive on all things hydrating, and hydrosols are wonderful, water-based infusions that boast the benefit of many healthy herbs and flora. Want to bask in your dreaminess? Try Evan Healy's Rose Geranium Facial Tonic HydroSoul.

Try Something New: For a grounding effect, take the same hydrosol route, but instead incorporate basil with Evan Healy's Tulsi Facial Tonic HydroSoul.

Evan Healy Tulsi Facial Tonic HydroSoul, Amazon.com, $28.50

It's important to remember that these are only tips, and you should feel free to play around with as many as you want — astrology-approved or otherwise.

Images: Pixabay (2); solofoto/Unsplash; Courtesy Brands