July 2008

By Kimberly McDonald




You’re not holding back these days, are you Miss Aries? Not that speaking your mind isn’t a good thing (it is!), but just keep it ladylike! You’ll get the attention you’re looking for, and you’ll come out smelling like a rose. After Independence Day, you may find yourself feeling less than free as someone special captures your attention and you are uncharacteristically “stuck”. Used to getting your way, I know…but a challenge is always a nice change of pace. Mid-month you turn up the charm and they’re finding themselves under your spell. While working your feminine wiles, you’ll want to keep your eye on any legal documents you’re asked to sign. Just make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into. Typically you can go by intuition alone, but this time just be a little more thorough. Mmmm’k Puppet? Later in the month you’ll find yourself enjoying a little culture. The Ballet, a gallery opening, perhaps some theater in the park. Try a bit of everything! In fact, try Fusion Beauty SkinFusion's Try Me Starter Set –mineral color products that are intended to improve the health of your skin. SkinFusion's Seriously Smart Mineral Make-up & Skincare formula enhances your complexion without camouflaging your natural glow. It's nutrient-packed with 60 bio minerals (including energizing gold), and a breakthrough Invisiskin™ technology that delivers time-released antioxidants, peptides, and brighteners to perfect your complexion. www.sephora.com
  


You’re at odds and ends as the month begins, Bullish Babe. You seem to be going to extremes without even realizing. Yes, sending résumé’s out to firms located on the West Coast is a strange thing to do just as you’re resigning your lease here in Manhattan. In fact, you’re facing an inner power struggle and there’s only one way to deal with it. You need a break! Some R&R, TLC, TCOB…whatever combo of letters you choose, just so it adds up to some Z-E-N! The root of all of this conflict may be simple boredom. Torn between the routines of life and the yearning for things that are new and exciting, you could be causing this conflict without even realizing. Start a list of pro’s and con’s as you address issues that might be causing you stress. Eliminate or change in a sensible way and you’ll feel immediate relief (and save yourself a ton of dough at the dentist – teeth grinding can get expensive!). As the month comes to an end you’ll find yourself with less emotional baggage and a clearer head. Your skin will also look clearer, thanks to the Color Corrector Palette by T. LeClerc. This is the ultimate concealor product because it includes five easy-to-blend shades for camouflaging imperfections as well as sculpting the face. The smooth creamy texture, opaque coverage, and natural finish equal professional makeup results (even on challenging skin). Available at www.barneys.com.
  


You’re probably accustomed to being referred to as having two faces, darling Gemini Twin, but this month you might be accused of doing things half-assed. I know, you’re unique and you’re an enigma. I get it. However, you seem to have stepped in a pile of Lucky Poo, because even though you’ve been slacking a bit (or a lot) lately, things seem to be falling into place. You’re taking that whole “lazy days of summer” thing a bit literal, aren’t you? (Take note: your Taurean BFF could use a little fun – drag her kicking and screaming if you have to!) You’re actually riding this high throughout the month, with every reason to think that your current state of nirvana will see you through the summer. Just keep that smile on your face, a positive outlook, and remember to be thankful for all of the great mo-jo that’s been sent your way. You’re even in for a small windfall later in the month (could be that you got a VIP Invite to the Louboutin Sample sale and just saved a bundle, or perhaps that old crap you put on ebay that was in Granny’s attic actually sold for a mint!). Count your blessings, sister! And while you’re counting your blessings and feeling thankful, be thankful to Miss Bobbi Brown for the most amazing Long-Wear Liner in Black Mauve Shimmer. It stays on all day, makes your eyes look bright and beautiful, and is a great alternative to wearing jet-black liner. It’ll also take you through the summer and into fall, as Purple (in shades of Aubergine, Plum, Prune, or Violette) is THE color this fall. www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com.
  


Ever the social butterfly, Miss Crabbilicious, you find yourself starting the month reeling from the overbooking of your social calendar. You’ll have to make some decisions about what you can and cannot commit to. Don’t stress – just enjoy. You’re going to have a bit of a personal situation as you head into the middle of the month and you have to take the bad with the good and remember that overall, things ain’t so terrible in your little world. A word of advice from the stars? Don’t sign anything just now. Let it marinate. Let it breathe. Let your attorney look it over. Someone in your life has a hidden agenda and it’s just better if you CYA. Remember to rely upon your intuition - you’re a water sign so you have an abundance of that. Later in the month you find yourself extremely annoyed with someone (maybe you’ve uncovered the infidel!) but try to keep your wits about yourself and let a little thing called Karma take care of retribution. You have too much going on to waste time plotting revenge (particularly if you heeded the advice above and managed to avoid disaster). There’s more advice I have for you (and I know you’re smart so please take it) and that is to use your sunscreen all summer long. Not just for the first few weeks or the first few times out at the beach…but every time. And if you want the best, Natura Bisse’s SPF 30 Sun Defense Stick is the way to go. Glides on easily and works on all skin – ears, neck, eyelids, lips…even scars. The water-resistant formula actually hydrates as it protects. www.barneys.com.
  


Lady Leo, let’s talk. Not for nothin’ sweetie but you do realize that you have a bit of a stubborn streak – dontcha? Because you’re such a decisive and together girl, most of the time that stubborn streak is just like Cindy Crawford’s mole (you know it’s there, you know it’s supposed to be an imperfection, but somehow it just enhances the package and endears you to most everyone who knows you). However – and I say this with full armour on – sometimes you go to far. In other words, lately you’re going too far. You have to listen to others sometimes and this is one of those times. Listening will come in handy mid-month when some fast talker is trying to get one over on you. You’re not in danger of falling for it as long as you don’t let your ego cloud your vision. Once you’ve cleared that hurdle, the rest of the month (happens to be the great Leo cycle) is made for Love. Take advantage of this time and engage in some downright lascivious behavior. You’re feeling pretty, they’re feeling spellbound by your charms, and there is nothing to indicate that the experience will be anything short of sheer bliss. Speaking of bliss, you’ll find a bit of your own with bliss steep clean toner pads. Soaked in a skin-clearing formula with salicylic acid, smartsponge self activating oil-control spheres and dead cell digesting enzymes, these portable pads keep skin clean and oil at bay. www.blissworld.com
  


Though Christmas is months away, Virgo Babe, you need to make a list and check it twice. The project you have on hand at the moment has many moving parts and it would be easy (as well as disappointing) to let something minor slip through the cracks and alter the experience. Learn to delegate so that you can focus on the major tasks at hand while breathing easy because you know the minor details are also being addressed. By mid-month you’ve got a well-oiled machine in place and you’re actually enjoying some free time. It’s been a while since you’ve had that luxury so take full advantage! Just remember that everyone is human and later in the month when something you’ve delegated doesn’t come out just the way you had hoped, be glad that you have the help (mistakes can be corrected!) and that you’ve had a break from the hectic schedule you’ve been keeping for the past couple of months. One thing that you can control (eg it’s mistake-proof) is your lipgloss. We’ve found the perfect compact - Hourglass’ Treasure Lip Gloss Palette. Six sexy, shimmery shades in a chic and portable compact provide your lips with moisture and versatility. Shades include Iridescent Shimmer, Nude Sheen, Coral Shimmer, Plum Glaze, Pink/Gold Shimmer, and Smooth Peach. www.barneys.com.
  


Lady you’re more than balanced this month, you’re tipping those scales in the direction of total happiness and lovin it with every bone in your Libran body. Forget Comme ci- Comme ca…life for you is Tres Bien! The great thing about you is that you always share the love and that means that good times for you mean good luck for everyone around you. Someone might need a little help beautifying their home mid-month and you’re all too happy to lend a hand. You amaze even yourself with some of the ideas you come up with as you help turn the dismal into a decorator’s showplace. Remember that it is always better to give than receive and that goes both ways so when your friend wants to repay the kindness, accept graciously and give them the chance to feel good about doing something nice for you. Afterall, you are still the girl who values balance and equality above all else. To keep your skin balanced, try Trish McEvoy’s Beauty Booster Serum. Starting with your very first usex you'll feel a noticeable difference in the texture of your skin. The special formula hydrates and revitalizes thanks to a cocktail of Hyaluroinic acid, dual action peptides and powerful anti-oxidants that work together to improve skin's overall appearance. The effects are cumulative as well, so over time you’ll notice a deeper and more substantial difference in your skin. www.saks.com
  


You got your mind on your money and your money’s on your mind (in the words of the inimitable Snoop Dog) this month Scorpio sister and unlike the rest of the lyrics, you aren’t laid back about it. In fact, you’re so keenly aware of what is going on that your choices are leading you in the right direction for making more of it (money) than you had originally planned on. To simplify: you're heading towards a very bright future when it comes to business and the realization of your financial dreams. Take a cue from Snoop (cause we roll like that) and spend some time this month enjoying your success. Around mid-month you’ll get even more good news on the biz-nezz front; basically the hard work you’ve put in is now paying off and your willingness to continue to work even harder instead of resting on your laurels is going to propel you head-first into a wonderful future. All of this success does do one thing for you. What most see as an aphrodisiac, you see as inspiration for your creative side. Yep, you’re hitting the big time and you’d like to celebrate by making something, painting, drawing, writing. You should also celebrate by pampering yourself in style. Pick up the La Mer Miraculous Beginings Set (you’ve earned the splurge) and experience the signature collection including the legendary Crème de la Mer and a perfectly-edited selection of supporting skincare treatments in premium travel sizes. Choose from “Dry Skin” or “Normal/Oily Skin” formulas, each packaged in a custom travel case. The limited-edition collection is an ideal way to experience all the benefits of La Mer's coveted skincare. You’ll be hooked! www.neimanmarcus.com
  


Summertime…and the livin’ is easy... Ok, ok. I doubt that the fish are jumping and I have no idea if cotton is high but I do know that life is good for you, Sagittarian lady. You’ve worked your badonka-donk off for the first 6 months of the year and you’re enjoying a much-deserved break from the stress of the daily grind. In fact, this is the perfect time for a weekend get-away. Just keep in mind that nothing is perfect and if you hit a snag, think of it as an adventure rather than a buzz-kill. Throw out all of the rules. Do whistle in public, do have ice cream as a meal, and do talk to strangers. This month you’ll meet one that will become important in your life…and it’s just as likely to be that older lady sitting by you on the Jitney as it is to be the hot guy with the Pepsodent smile and the cute legs at the pool party you decided to go to last minute. The thing about gifts from the universe is that you never really know when they’re coming and how they’re going to be packaged. Just be open! Speaking of open, nothing opens your eyes like perfect brows…and nothing yields perfect brows like Estee Lauder’s Brow Perfecting Duo. With the essential tools and ideal complimentary shades, each duo is formulated to help you create the perfect brows. Smudge-proof, water-resistent and long-wearing. Oh and of course, Ophthamologist tested. www.bergdorfgoodman.com
  


You’ve been a little off your game until this month, Miss Capricorn. However, that’s in the past and you are kicking ass and taking names this month. You’re gifted with the ability to straighten out a mess better than anyone else, and you make it look painless. Just keep a little bit of energy in reserve as you head into the middle of the month. There are some emotional issues you’re going to have to address; like it or not. Once you clear that hurdle you’re basically on Cloud 9 and Everything’s Comin’ Up Roses for you. You’re even feeling experimental. You may decide a new hairstyle is in order. Perhaps you’ll paint your bathroom. Either way, try to keep the changes superficial right now because as the month comes to an end you’re going to yearn for stability. Learn what you can rely on for real comfort (friends, spirituality, creativity) and what you sometimes pass off as comfort (food, drinking, overspending). It’s not fun to face reality sometimes but it sure will help in the long run. You have some interesting days ahead and it would be a good idea right now to find your happy place, so that you’ll know where it is if things get hazy down the road. If you’re really heading down the road (eg vacation) you’ll want to try Cargo’s One Base. The portable, lightweight concealor + base is all you need to eliminate imperfections and redness while treating your skin with TLC thanks to essential oils that condition and leave you looking radiant. www.sephora.com
  


You are the textbook example of how inner beauty becomes outer beauty, Miss Aquarius. You start this month off on a great note and not only are you feeling and looking great, but your charisma and affectatious smile are spreading happiness in all directions. You’re the curious girl in the zodiac and right now you’re curious about your life and how you got here. You’re also curious about where you’re going. One thing is for certain, the future looks bright. Mid-month you’ll really start digging. What are you looking for? What will bring you the most happiness? Where are those shoes you just picked up at the Saks shoe sale? By the time the month ends you’ll have mapped out a tentative plan for the next life journey you’re planning and you’ll want to share it with someone special. Choose someone who will tell you their honest opinion and not be swayed into agreement by your considerable charms. You’ll want to be prepared when you head off into your new adventure. If considerable charms are in order, make them the sparkly kind that smell divine. In other words, buy yourself the Missoni Solid Perfume Charm Necklace. The chic beaded charm necklace designed by Margherita Missoni contains a sphere that opens to reveal a solid perfume scented with the original Missoni fragrance. The luxurious perfume solid has notes of vibrant Italian bergamot, dewy rose, zesty bitter orange, addictive gianduia (a sweet chocolate containing hazelnut and almond paste), and fluid amber. www.sephora.com
  


You start the month feeling like something’s a little fishy (pardon the pun) Mon Petite Pisces. It isn’t that things are bad. They aren’t. They’re just dull. Off a little. Something is not right and it isn’t a major thing, so you’re going to have to work hard to put your finger on the source of your aggravation (which is actually more boredom than actual aggravation, but to you they’re virtually the same thing). Instead of beating yourself up for feeling blah, use the time for a little emotional maintenance. Get plenty of rest and you’ll find that the fog lifts just enough for you to get some clarity. Maybe what you’re most bored with is yourself. You’re living in a stressful pressure-cooker and it’s draining you of all of that extra energy that you used to use for doing fun and interesting things. Stop the insanity! Remove some of the stress in your life and make room for the happiness and excitement that you crave. You’re the only one that can do that for yourself, you know. Get outside this month. Enjoy the summer. Give yourself permission to put your happiness first. It will only make you a more enjoyable person to be around, and besides, your loved ones will support you and understand that you need some long overdue “me” time. While indulging in that “me” time, you might want to try a long bath at the end of a day spent on the beach…a bath enhanced with Red Flower Indian Jasmine Purifying Body Wash. Deeply soothe, delicately cleanse and and leave your skin subly scented with Indian Jasmine, Neem, Almond Oil and Honey. www.barneys.com