IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce Save your skin by spring: It’s time to shake up your skincare routine

If you’ve gotten this far into winter and your skin and lips are starting to look a little parched, you’re definitely not alone.

Whilst switching up your skincare routine might be scary for those worried about breaking out or causing additional irritation, it’s one surefire way of making sure your skin is saved by spring.

Moisturisers and masks

Using a high-quality moisturiser is key to making sure your face is looking soft and supple all year round. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid can be good to look for when you’re scoping out ingredient lists, and once you’ve found a formula you love, it’s most important to be packing it on day and night.

Laneige: Water Sleeping Mask

Sold at Sephora, Korean beauty brand Laneige is known for its ability to bring dry skin back to life.

If you’re looking for an overnight cure, their Water Sleeping Mask is perfect to have you looking well rested, no matter how many hours your head is on the pillow.

Dew Not Disturb Moisturiser is an oil-free, pillowy-soft gel cream moisturiser that not only strengthens your skin barrier, but is also good for the planet.

Drunk Elephant: Lala Retro Whipped Cream

This Drunk Elephant favourite is this year’s Mecca Beauty Election winner for Best Moisturiser. Although it’s definitely on the more expensive side, this thick and creamy blend is perfect to revive dull and parched skin.

Lip treatments finding one that works for you, in terms of colour, scent and consistency. There are endless options to choose from.

Charlotte Tilbury: Charlotte’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir

For a more luxurious option, Charlotte Tilbury makes a beautiful lip oil that provides endless amounts of moisture and shine in one convenient squeeze tube.

Fenty Skin: Cherry Treat Conditioning And Strengthening Lip Oil

Barni Skin: Dew Not Disturb Moisturiser

The newest release from Barni Skin – your new favourite vegan, Aussie-made, cruelty-free skincare brand – the

As far as I’m concerned, there are few things worse than having, dry, cracked lips – to the point where I carry around some sort of lip balm in every jacket pocket or bag I own. When it comes to these types of products, it’s all about

If you’re looking for a pop of colour, the Fenty Skin Cherry Treat Lip Oil can’t be beat. Not only is it a dry lip cure, but it also provides your lips with a plump and juicy look, without feeling sticky.

Lanolips: The Original

101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm

Having won over 50 major awards worldwide, it’s no surprise that the Lanolips 101 Ointment comes in first place here. The ointment is super versatile and deeply hydrating, containing ultra-pure grade Aussie lanolin.

Relax & Unwind

JANUARY

Monday night’s New Moon activates your work and daily routine zone so it’s a good week to start a job, launch a business, begin a new diet or embark on a rebooted exercise program. With Venus in your relationship zone, it’s time to harmonise, compromise and cooperate with the main people in your life. As birthday great Cat Stevens sings, “peace train sounding louder … come on the peace train.” Get in quickly before Venus turns retro on the weekend!

Taurus

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

With two oppositions and Venus slowing down (before it turns retrograde on the weekend) the intensity levels ratchet up, and issues involving relatives, friends, neighbours, travel or education could be complicated. Jealous thoughts and possessive behaviour are also a danger. If you’re not careful, you could find yourself embroiled in a fiery argument or a frustrating power struggle. Smart Bulls will step back and gain some much-needed perspective.

Leo

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Thursday’s Sun/Neptune trine boosts your creativity. But Saturday’s tempestuous Sun/Pluto opposition highlights your inclination to jealous, possessive, bossy or overbearing behaviour. So do your best to loosen your intense grip on a loved one, otherwise you’ll just drive them away with your dramatic pronouncements and demanding Divalike antics. Then the fiery Sun shifts into your sign, when it’s time to sparkle and shine!

Scorpio

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

The stars boost your personal magnetism – and your manipulative side. Pluto gives you an energy surge that increases your desire to be in charge. But, if you want to avoid unnecessary power struggles and unpleasant dramas, stop trying to control others. You can be powerful and passionate – or compulsive and controlling. If you’re a smart Scorpio, then you’ll choose the path of least resistance as you channel your energy in positive and proactive ways.

Pisces

If you’re involved with a group, class, club or organisation, then expect power plays and personality clashes. A partnership could also be placed under temporary strain. When it comes to your social circle, aim to be much more discriminating. Don’t waste precious time on negative people who undermine your confidence. Surround yourself with stimulating new friends as well as trusted old mates. Thursday highlights compassion, creativity and spirituality.

Gemini

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

It will be difficult to balance head and heart this week. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! Loved ones or work colleagues will attempt to throw you off balance, scramble your sense of certainty, or press your emotional buttons. But it’s up to you to deflect their efforts with plenty of Gemini grace and good humour. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great Nelson Mandela, “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”

Virgo

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Some Virgos will reminisce about an old love or experience a disappointment, as you discover you’ve over-committed energy and enthusiasm to a project (or relationship) that’s going nowhere. It’s time to reformulate your goals for the future, as the New Moon activates your hopes and wishes zone. But steer clear of dubious dreamers and manipulative schemers. Surround yourself with positive people who promote your talents and support your dreams.

Sagittarius

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

You’re keen to expand your knowledge base, as you pick up ideas and inspiration from all corners of the world. Sagittarians are the cosmopolitan global citizens of the zodiac, so get connecting with your international buddies ASAP! But – with the New Moon and the Sun/ Pluto opposition stirring up your $$$ zones – it’s not a good time to lend cash, borrow money or initiate a joint financial partnership. Instead, be patient and wait for a more auspicious week.

This week there are difficult Mars/ Saturn and Sun/Pluto oppositions, so your bossy Aries side could take over (especially at home and/or work). If you sweat the small stuff, then you’ll end up feeling tired and emotional by the end of the week. Perhaps it’s time to de-stress, as you meditate, contemplate, ruminate and relax. You might just enjoy it! Plus pay close attention to a developing domestic situation, and the symbolic messages in your nightly dreams.

Cancer

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Sensitive Crabs are ruled by the silvery, changeable Moon. So you can’t help but be affected by this week’s New Moon in Cancer, as it stirs up your emotions. Plus the Sun and Pluto agitate professional partnerships or romantic insecurities. But becoming overemotional and unreasonable won’t help matters. Instead, tune into the magical promise of the new moonbeams as you learn to love yourself, celebrate your strengths and follow your dreams.

Libra

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

This week looks rather stressful, as Venus (your power planet) slows down before it turns retrograde on the weekend. Do your best to be patient and persistent. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” You could also become unsettled about issues involving home, work or finances. So avoid making long-term decisions until you can view the current situation from a more objective perspective.

Capricorn

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

This week (courtesy of transformative Pluto) an obstacle could be placed in your path. Or you could be drawn into a power struggle with a relative, friend or work colleague. Don’t stress and obsess! Sometimes hurdles help you slow down and see the path ahead more clearly. Then you can adjust our compass and tweak your plans. So keep going Capricorn. Your motto is from birthday great Nelson Mandela, “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”

Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black . These need to be filled in with numbers that is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

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