How Mercury Retrograde Affects Your Beauty Horoscope — and How to Deal

AstroTwins Horoscope:
"Mercury in retrograde for Cancers may mean some extra time devoted to the office or bringing work to the pool. Always prepared and polished — even when everyone else is in Casual Friday mode."

Beauty Tip: "Stick with a strong, neutral look that feels business chic."

Fabio had his long, flowy hair to help him get ahead at work. For anybody else not in the romance novel business, that's why eyebrow gels were invented.

Milk Makeup Kush Clear Brow Gel ($18)

AstroTwins Horoscope: "Mercury retrograde is in Leos sign this time around, so this is a good opportunity to look at old photos and revive a throwback style."

Beauty Tip: "Wait for Mercury retrograde to pass before trying anything permanent, like cutting bangs. Stick to temporary styles, like clip-ons. Since Leos are already all about glam, there's no need to overdo it with your nail look. Try a metallic or shimmer on an accent nail instead."

Mullets and Liza Minnelli's bangs may never make a comeback, but Jimi Hendrix made purple cool for a reason — especially when it's in nail polish form. This one will always be on the rinse and repeat cycle, so make it extra.

Essie & Mercury On Nail Polish ($9, out July 18 at ULTA)

AstroTwins Horoscope: "This is a good time for Virgos to escape to the beach or somewhere off the grid, so frenemies can't reach you."

Beauty Tip: "Pick up some waterproof makeup on the way or get the lash extensions you've always wanted so you look fresh from the moment you wake up. Kick it up while Mercury is in retrograde with punchier nail colors or makeup."

Summer lovin' is for having a blast, sure, but it's also for steamy makeouts right by the ocean that also happen so fast. Make sure you've got a lip stain on that'll last just as long, if you know what we mean. Whoa, whoa, whoa.

NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream ($4)

AstroTwins Horoscope: "Libras will have a very people-focused time during Mercury retrograde, bringing together old friends with new friends, so they need a go-to 'going out' beauty routine they can rely on."

Beauty Tip: "Whether it's for a rooftop outing or other outdoor activities, Libras should stick to this 'signature' all Summer long."

Unless you are Tina Turner talking about your hair, claiming something as your "signature" is about as much of a faux paux as wearing white after labor day — until you realize there are no f*cking rules, and some summery scents are worth using over and over and over. . .

Chloé Nomade Eau de Parfum ($105)

AstroTwins Horoscope: "It's a career-focused time for Scorpios, and you may connect with an old client or opportunity. You'll want to plan a sophisticated, stop-drop-and-power-lunch look."

Beauty Tip: "Since you never know when the opportunity will arise, keep your styling tools handy and blotting sheets in your bag for any last-minute touch ups before important meetings."

It's 3 p.m. and your boss pops in your office to invite you to "take a walk." The only thing you should let dampen your shine in that moment is an actual blotting paper.

Too Cool For School Dinoplatz Dear Brachiosaurus Blotting Paper ($8)

AstroTwins Horoscope: "Sagittarius must be careful not to do the 'open mouth, insert foot' thing. Plus, knowing Mercury retrograde is during their travel period, they'll want to try to not overpack."

Beauty Tip: "Practice your daily beauty routine before you head out on a trip so you have it down to a science, leaving room in your bag for more important things. Think about getting your look down to one styling tool, or a runway-chic ponytail."

It's not weird to whip out your favorite hot tool at work before happy hour if it can make you look like Gisele Bündchen or Cher in 30 seconds flat. Whether you choose to strut into the bar is entirely up to you.

T3 SinglePass Luxe Straightening & Styling Iron ($180)

AstroTwins Horoscope: "It can be an intense and moody time for Capricorns during Mercury retrograde — just own that darker side of you."

Beauty Tip: "Swipe on a smoky eye to vamp up your pool party look, or try out dark nail or lip colors."

You have two options: think of this "moody" forecast as a reason to stay inside and watch The Addams Family reruns all Summer — or consider it a time to try 20 killer smoky eye looks.

Pat McGrath Labs MTHRSHP Sublime Bronze Ambition Eyeshadow Palette ($55)

AstroTwins Horoscope: "Mercury retrograde is in your partner house, so you may have to do some extra work to spice things up in your relationship. If you're single, a past fling may come back around."

Beauty Tip: "Have that date night look dialed-in. If something you're wearing makes you self-conscious, then don't wear it. Be yourself but styled, so don't try any new crazy beauty trend during this time."

Nothing says "you but better" quite like a tinted moisturizer that evens out the skin tone and camouflages dark spots. But remember: If someone can't handle you at your Beyoncé, now's the time to throw those middle fingers up.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer ($28)

AstroTwins Horoscope: "Pisces should find a minimalist look for Mercury retrograde that's down-to-earth but cool."

Beauty Tip: "Think bare-faced and neutral tones. Practice going out with less make up on but spend more time in the morning making sure your hair is polished. An iridescent nail as an ode to their mermaid-y side is perfect for Mercury retrograde."

To be fair, mermaid beauty was so 2017 (and 1989, when Ariel first made it cool). But no matter: retrograde is all about retracing your footsteps, so it's only fitting for Pisces to try a throwback aquatic nail color during this period.

Essie Keep Calm Nail Polish ($9, out July 18 at ULTA)

AstroTwins Horoscope: "Aries will have an opportunity to get revenge on an ex who ghosted them, so they should always leave the house looking their best. You never know who you may run into on the street."

Beauty Tip: "Don't over-do it — the bigger hair the more you care, so tone that down. Think subtle glam. Test out an interesting nail shape, like a stiletto nail, but be careful not to scratch that person who's done you wrong while you're in revenge mode."

The subtlest way to look sharp without the hassle of press-on nails: liquid eyeliner. Like Elle Woods' reputable Bend and Snap, a great cat-eye has a 98% chance of grabbing someone's attention — and keeping it long after you walk away. (What, like it's hard?)

It Cosmetics Superhero Eyeliner ($24)

AstroTwins Horoscope: "Taurus during this time may be tempted to stay in and nest, almost to their own detriment. Try to get out a little more than usual, but look into a low-key beauty routine to make doing so easier."

Beauty Tip: "Taurus' can be perfectionists and don't want to leave the house unless they look pristine, which is why a quick and easy beauty regimen is a must."

You're already scrolling through Instagram, making coffee, checking your email, and otherwise rule the world every morning, so why not simultaneously swipe some color onto your eyes, brow bone, and cheeks with a multitasking makeup palette, too?

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look in a Palette ($75)

AstroTwins Horoscope: "Mercury in retrograde is a great time for Geminis to reconnect with old friends and go on different adventures."

Beauty Tip: "Try a fun beauty look that's easy to do when you're on the go, like a messy bun that you've perfected or bright lipstick that really stands out."

Just because you're not Gwen Stefani doesn't mean you can't steal her beauty hack this month: when you need a quick pick-me-up, just throw on some red lipstick and sunglasses — then it's all hella good.

Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet Liquid Lipstick ($38)