You probably have already heard jokes like ‘Mercury is in a microwave or something’, alluding to the general chaos and miscommunications seemingly brought about by Mercury being in retrograde. It’s true, netizens and astrology enthusiasts love blaming it all on Mercury retrograde, but what exactly is it and why is it notorious for wreaking havoc in our lives?
A retrograde period is when a planet appears to move backwards in its orbit. Since Mercury rules communication and ideas - misunderstandings, technological breakdowns and chaos are likely to increase when it begins its backwards dance. This is that time when exes resurface, tempers are heated, and double-checking all paperwork is advisable (don’t forget to back up all your devices too!). Mercury goes in retrograde 3 to 4 times every year, and while it sounds scary, there are indeed ways to tide over this period smoothly.
Unlike pop-astrology would have you believe, retrogrades are not all bad — consider it as a time for deep reflection and reassessment. If forward momentum seems tough, take a break to go inwards, self-soothe and assimilate the lessons of the retrograde. Meditation, journaling, and a ‘go-with-the-flow’ attitude are your best allies, and curating a self-care or beauty ritual always helps!
If you find yourself feeling particularly stressed or bogged down owing to Mercury’s backward spin, allow skincare to come to your rescue! Light a candle, repeat your affirmations, and let your beauty routine serve as the ultimate pick-me-up. Below, find our top product recommendations that will leave you feeling calmer and more relaxed, even on the most stressful days.
1. Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream
If the stress from the retrograde has your skin breaking out or feeling inflamed, this calming cream should help. Enriched with skin-soothing ingredients like azulene and Centella Asiatica, it reduces acne scars and blemishes for a clear, radiant complexion. Suitable for very sensitive skin, pick this one up if your skin has lately been feeling inflamed or irritated, and use in your nightly skincare routine for best results.
2. Garnier Skin Naturals Green Face Serum Sheet Mask
Nothing works better than a sheet mask when your mood needs that little extra boost and needs it quick. This one comes infused with green tea extracts to protect and purify acne-prone skin. It also has hyaluronic acid to deliver intense hydration and deep nourishment that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and radiant, all in just a few minutes.
3. L'Occitane Organic Lavender Body Lotion
If you’re stuck in meetings from 9 to 5, take a mental vacation with this soothing body wash to unwind after a long day. Luxuriously scented with French lavender (which has been known to soothe nerves and calm anxiety), this creamy body wash is formulated with shea butter to soften and condition your skin.
4. Forest Essentials Madurai Jasmine & Mogra After Bath Oil
Massages are commonly known to alleviate even intense stress, but if you don’t have the time to book a spa appointment just yet, try a quick DIY massage routine after you hop out of the shower! This floral scented after-bath oil not only helps you relax instantly, but its blend of apricot, sunflower, jasmine and mogra oil also nourishes and renews your skin to leave it soft and glowing after every use.
5. Kimirica Love Story Bath Salt and Bubble Bath Relaxing Bath Care Duo
What’s better than a bubble bath to wind down after a super draining day? This foaming bubble bath plus bath salt duo is just what you need for a relaxing, luxurious bath experience. Formulated with ginkgo biloba and white tea extract to deliver antioxidants to your skin, it also has aloe vera and vitamin E to provide intense moisture, thereby overall enhancing its health. Plus, Epsom salts are rich in magnesium and are well-known to provide relief to tense, cramped up muscles and induce feelings of relaxation.
