You might guess with a name like ĀTHR Beauty that we love the cosmos – the stars, the Moon, and all the mystical energies that weave their magic through our lives. So, today let’s dive deep into that Moon magic:  

• How and why the Moon affects us
• What each moon phase means and how to make the most of it
• Moon-inspired products to get you in the moonlit mood. 
• Charging your crystal-infused products in the moonlight

Since the beginning of time, humans have been tracking the Moon, observing its changes, and noticing our undeniable connection with its monthly ebbs and flows. Emotions, our sleep, our menstruation, and our love life have all been linked to the Moon. Why? And how does this happen?  

The Gravitational Pull

The Moon exerts a strong gravitational pull that causes the changing tides in our oceans and seas. This gravitational pull is at its strongest during the New Moon and Full Moon, so here we experience the highest and lowest tides.

Considering we humans are made up of 70% water, it only makes sense that the Moon would have a similar impact on us mostly-water beings. It's thought that at the New Moon and Full Moon, like the tides, our emotions are pulled to the surface and feelings are heightened.

What the science says: some researchers theorize that humans are reacting to subtle changes in the Earth’s magnetic field that occur with the Moon phases. When the oceans flow with the tides, the salty water (which is electrically conducting) causes the Earth's magnetic field to fluctuate. These changes have been shown to affect our alpha brain wave activity.

Our Sleep Rhythms

Several studies have shown that people experience 30% less deep sleep during the Full Moon as compared to the rest of the month. Why is this? Researchers believe our internal biological rhythms may be linked to the Moon's cycle.

Changes in sleep can have dramatic effects on your overall mood – causing irritability, decreased concentration and focus, impatience, and elevated levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. 

Aligning With The Phases of The Moon

If we’re accepting that the Moon does indeed affect our sleep, our mood, and our emotions, how can we work with this mystical force? How can we sync up with these cycles and align with the flow of nature instead of being a victim of it?

Well, let's chat about each Moon phase, how it can affect us, and how we can make the most of every phase! 

NEW MOON

What looks to us like no moon (or a dark moon) happens when the Moon is positioned in alignment between the Earth and the Sun. We don’t see the illuminated side of the Moon that’s facing the sun, so it appears dark.

New moon effects- what it means for you

This low-light phase can manifest as low energy for us. We may feel tired, introspective, and ready to indulge in some much-needed introvert time.

How to make the most of this phase

Now is a fabulous time to curl up by the fire, put on some fuzzy socks, and spend some time with yourself. Take time to reflect on how you’re feeling and honor any inklings to stay home, cancel plans, and not return texts today.  

WAXING CRESCENT

'Waxing' means that the illuminated portion of the Moon is increasing. In the waxing crescent phase, only a crescent-shaped sliver is visible to us. 

What this means for you

After relaxing, recharging, and reflecting in the New Moon, you’re ready to go forth with new light and added energy.

How to make the most of this phase

Write down your intentions for the coming month, and thank the universe in advance for all the beautiful things you know will be coming your way. Sit down with your crystals and visualize the next manifestation you’re ready to accept in your life.

Drench yourself in our diamond-infused Desert Moon Illuminating Oil to raise your vibrations and reconnect with your sacred self.

FIRST QUARTER

During this phase, the Moon is at a 90-degree angle to the Earth and Sun. We see half the Moon illuminated and the other half in shadow. In the first quarter, we see what appears to be the right half of the Moon.

What this means for you

This balance of light and shadow reflects the obstacles you’ll start to encounter as you bring your intentions to life.

How to make the most of this phase

Go with the flow of life – embrace the yeses and takes the no’s as a signal for redirection. The universe may have bigger plans than you can imagine and you just need to follow the breadcrumbs that lead to your highest creative potential.

WAXING GIBBOUS

Just like the waxing crescent phase, in the waxing gibbous the illuminated portion of the Moon is increasing towards the Full Moon.  

What this means for you

The waxing gibbous phase signals redirection, adjustment, and flexibility. Your plans are being challenged, and your patience is being tested.

How to make the most of this phase

Be flexible. Have gratitude for this moment and look for signs and signals that are directing you to the best course of action. Listen to your inner knowing and trust in your own innate wisdom. Write to your intuition or consult the tarot cards for clues and guidance that you're on the right path. 

FULL MOON

In this phase the Moon appears as a full gleaming circle when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are in alignment. Compared to the New Moon phase, the Moon is on the other side of the Earth, so we see the side that’s being illuminated by the Sun.  

Effects of the full moon- what this means for you

The Sun and Moon are in opposite zodiac signs during this phase and you may feel tension, heightened emotions, and extra energy as these opposite energies pull on you.  

How to make the most of this phase

Observe, and have compassion for your heightened emotions. Channel this heightened energy into projects and activities that light you up. If you’re receptive and open, you may see new opportunities bloom from your intention setting earlier in the month.  

Channel your emotions and energy into creativity and artistry. Paint your lids with all the shades in our Moonlight Crystal Gemstone Palette and feel the flow and creative chi of that delicious full moon energy.  

WANING GIBBOUS

‘Waning’ means that the illuminated portion of the Moon is decreasing.

What this means for you

As the light of the Moon wanes, energy is slowing down and bathing us in feelings of satiation and gratitude.  

How to make the most of this phase

Sit down with your gratitude journal, send some thank you notes, buy your best friend dinner. Share the love that’s rising inside of you, and take this time to reconnect with those you may have neglected (or snapped at) during your high-energy/high-emotion full moon phase.  

THIRD QUARTER

This phase happens when the Moon is at a 90-degree angle to the Earth and Sun. We see half the Moon illuminated and the other half in shadow. In the third quarter, we see what looks like the left half of the Moon.

What this means for you

As the light continues to fade, you may feel the need to cleanse, release, and let go.

How to make the most of this phase

Now’s the time to forgive, release resentments and regrets, and purge whatever is no longer serving you – clothes, old makeup, even friendships that are weighing you down. Create a clean slate with space for new manifestations to take root in your life.

WANING CRESCENT

Just like the waning gibbous phase, the illuminated portion of the Moon is decreasing towards the New Moon. In the waning crescent phase, we see only a sliver of the illuminated Moon.   

What this means for you

The light is almost gone and you’re ready for rest and recuperation.

How to make the most of this phase

Surrender to the universe and take some time to align yourself with the energy of calm. Relax, relinquish your need to control everyone and everything, and trust that all will be well. Now’s a beautiful time to bring out your crystals, close your eyes, and absorb all that pure, high-vibe energy.

MOON-INSPIRED PRODUCTS TO GET YOU IN THE MOONLIT MOOD

Created for all you moon-loving mavens out there, these bestselling lunar creations are infused with genuine sapphires and white diamonds. Be one with the cosmos with rainbow-bright lids and an-all over moonlit luminesence:

• Moonlight Crystal Gemstone Palette: A sapphire-infused eyeshadow palette with 12 deeply pigmented jewel-toned shades in shimmer, matte and metallic finishes.

• Desert Moon Illuminating Oil: A diamond-infused dry oil with an illuminating cosmic glow.

CHARGING YOUR CRYSTAL-INFUSED PALETTES UNDER THE MOON 

Those magical crystal infusions in all our products? You can maximize their natural healing qualities by exposing them to the pure, powerful energy of the Moon.

How to: place your crystal-infused palette in a window where it’s directly exposed to the moonlight. Allow it soak up the powerful cleansing energy while you sleep. And for the highest energetic benefit, charge your palettes under the light of the Full Moon or New Moon.