Greetings, star-crossed beauty lovers, and welcome to the astrology aisle. Every makeup fan has at least one brand that they always turn to when they need a reliably solid choice, and each of those famous brand names comes with its associations and preconceptions—much like our zodiac signs.
When discussing astrological signs, it is always worth noting the specific type of sign we are referring to. In this case, we’re talking about sun signs, which are determined by the sun’s placement when you were born. Of course, to examine your life through the lens of astrology and get a holistic picture of your chart, it’s essential to look at multiple placements and factors.
“By synthesizing your sun, moon, and rising signs, you gain a more cohesive, complete, and nuanced portrait of who you are, how you feel, and what gifts you’ve been given to navigate your life,” astrologer Maria Sofia Marmanides previously told Well+Good. Still, given the low-stakes nature of picking beauty products via traits characteristic of each astrological sign, it is simplest (and, let’s be honest, most fun) to base such pairings on our sun signs.
We could all probably use an extra spark of excitement in our lives, so during your next trip to the makeup aisle, try letting the zodiac guide you toward the drugstore beauty counterpart that best fits your personality. On the cusp of two signs? Treat yourself and pick up two new products to play with; these are all drugstore brands, so each pick falls under an affordable price point.
Aries (March 21 – April 19): Colourpop
Unafraid and bold, you are the one everybody looks to for guidance in an emergency—or, on a less urgent level, when Saturday night’s plans are hitting an indecisive impasse. Brave Aries, you are Colourpop, a brand known for its fun and highly reliable products.
You tend to be a trendsetter, just as Colourpop is the brand many makeup fans look to when searching for the “next big thing” in the beauty world. Do yourself a favor and pick up the Total Package Cream Eyeliner Vault ($99)—much like you never let down those around you, this liner’s creamy, pigmented formula and vibrant color payoff won’t disappoint.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Physicians Formula
Lucky Taurus, you are one of the most understated yet adored zodiac signs. Like the other earth signs, Capricorn and Virgo, you possess a grounded, soothing nature that people love to be around. You smile at dogs—but not their owners—as you pass them on the sidewalk. These traits, along with your reputation as a forever-reliable friend and loved one, are why your drugstore makeup twin is Physicians Formula.
You have high emotional intelligence, and much like the OG beauty brand formulated with sensitive skin in mind, you are consistently sensitive to the needs of everyone in your path. The brand’s Butter Bronzer is our go-to pick when we want to add warmth and dimension to our face without looking overly contoured.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Wet ‘n Wild
Charming, witty, and adept at seamlessly moving through any social situation, the air sign Gemini is often the one people turn to when they’re looking for an adventure. You are always ready to have fun and add vibrancy wherever you go, making Wet ‘n Wild the perfect drugstore parallel for your sign. Among its extensive arsenal of products, Wet ‘n Wild’s inexpensive high-impact eyeliners, pigmented shadows, and wide-ranging nail polish shades are especially prized by beauty enthusiasts.
Cancer (June 21 – June 22): Essence Cosmetics
Oh, sensitive one: Cancer signs tend to be intuitive, empathetic, and possess an excellent memory. You have an emotional disposition, but this is certainly not bad—you merely allow yourself to feel more deeply than most folks. Whether you’re crying with laughter or from sadness, your nature calls for a tried-and-true, tear-proof brand known for its water-resistant formulas. Therefore, your drugstore twin flame is Essence Cosmetics, the makers of the highly lauded Lash Princess False Lash Mascara ($5), which has gone viral on numerous occasions thanks to its long-lasting, lash-boosting results and wallet-friendly price point. Plus, this brand carries top-rated waterproof brow gels, liquid liners, and more, so you can feel free to watch all the heart-warming Pixar films your heart desires with little fear of smudges or smears.
Leo (July 23 – August 22): Maybelline New York
Loyal to a fault, there’s a reason this fire sign is symbolized by the lion. Fancy Leo, you are a bold, badass beauty powerhouse and, like that famously catchy Maybelline New York jingle, people literally cannot get out of their heads once they encounter you. Still, akin to the iconic pink-and-green Lash Blast Royal Blue Mascara, you consistently prove that you can balance style and substance—something the famed brand (a true mainstay of the makeup realm for 100-plus years) is known for. This is precisely why your friendships and romantic bonds tend to be meaningful and long-lasting.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Revlon
Known for your precise demeanor, Virgos are unwilling to accept mediocrity—particularly when it comes to your own life. (Now is when I would normally suggest practicing patience with yourself, but we both know that you’re too much of a perfectionist to heed such advice.) That said, you are incredibly loyal and hardworking, and your ability to see practical solutions in every situation is why you tend to see success in all of your endeavors, just like drugstore staple Revlon. With its sharp, chic liquid liners, long-lasting lip colors, and mascara formulas, Revlon reflects your meticulous, multi-talented nature.
Libra (September 23 – October 22): L’Oréal Paris
An air sign, Libras are known for their natural charisma and likability. You hold an innate ability to adapt to any social situation, whether it’s a black-tie gala downtown or a Sunday afternoon kickback in the countryside. Passionate and preternaturally cool, your drugstore twin flame is L’Oréal Paris. Like the classic makeup (and hair-care, hair dye, and skincare) brand, you are a versatile maven with serious staying power; plainly put, people tend to be drawn to you. Plus, both your sign and this century-old company are synonymous with “beauty”—a true match made in heaven.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): NYX Cosmetics
Spooky, serious, and mysterious to a fault, Scorpios often oscillate between emotional unavailability and deep passion. As a member of the feelings-driven water signs of the zodiac (the other two being Cancer and Pisces), your approach to conflict can be heavily influenced by your moods. And, as you have likely known your entire life, you are indeed one of a kind and cannot be found in just any (metaphorical or literal) aisle, making your perfect drugstore pairing NYX Cosmetics. This brand is beloved by makeup artists and amateurs alike and features a lineup filled with bright, vibrant hues that make it easy to experiment with a new look for every phase of the moon.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): elf Cosmetics
You’re one of those “lights up a room upon entering” people (in a genuinely nice and charismatic way, not the Dateline way). Independent and generous with a sharp sense of humor, the fire sign Sagittarius is beautifully encapsulated by the fan-favorite drugstore essential elf Cosmetics, which, like you, cannot be pigeon-holed into any singular category. This super-affordable fave carries high-quality makeup brushes, arch-defining brow tools, and skin-smoothing primers that all work seamlessly together to provide a polished starting point for the rest of your elaborate routine.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Honest Beauty
Reliable, hardworking, and highly organized, you never quit until you reach your goals. This earth sign prizes relationships with loved ones above all else; those bonds run deep, as does your loyalty to them. As such, dear Capricorn, your counterpart is none other than Honest Beauty, a brand with makeup that takes inspiration from founder Jessica Alba’s own mother, Cathy Jensen, having formulated its makeup-meets-skincare Fresh Flex Concealer by the advice she imparted to her daughter (“I would always tell her, ‘You have one skin, and that’s it—so you need to take care of it”).
Like you, this sensitive-skin friendly brand has endured many ups and downs. But, while countless other celebrity beauty brands have come and gone since its 2012 founding, Honest Beauty has adapted to survive and endure with grace, clarity, and a touch of brightness. Sound like anyone you know, Cap?
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Covergirl
Commonly mistaken for a water sign, thanks to its name, Aquarius is actually an air sign. Compassionate and artsy, those born under this sun sign may sometimes find yourself accused of “having your head in the clouds,”…but is being a natural-born dreamer really such a bad thing? As such, your drugstore beauty brand is Covergirl; simply put, “easy, breezy, beautiful” is a pretty apt description of your approach to the world. Plus, in the same way, this world-famous cosmetics company is constantly debuting new products and instant-hit formulas; you are forever evolving and adapting to your environment.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Neutrogena
Compassionate and romantic, Pisces signs often possess an inner glow that permeates outward and enchants those around them. If you were born under this water sign, it will serve you well to recognize and appreciate your effortless radiance. Drugstore essential Neutrogena’s products, like its beloved tinted moisturizer and sunscreens, allow the skin to shine through and not feel stifled under thick layers of makeup. And, just as you are highly empathetic and attuned to the needs of those around you, this brand’s offerings tend to be nourishing and moisture-packed.
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