by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

The Best Beauty Products This Year, According to Your Chinese Zodiac

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2021 is the Year of the Ox. The second animal in the zodiac cycle, the ox typically signifies hard work, positivity and honesty, and the message couldn’t be clearer: Success comes to those who work hard.

But even if you don’t consider yourself a superstitious person (and if you are, it’s always good to take superstitions with a pinch of salt), there are still ways you can join in the zodiac fun when welcoming the lunar new year. One of the easiest ways is to incorporate these auspicious colours into your daily life. Here are the most felicitous beauty buys based on your Chinese zodiac, below.

Year of the Rat

Known for their quick wit and resourcefulness, those born in the Year of the Rat would surely love to switch and mix up their routine with multi-tasking products.

Year: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Lucky colour: Green

Year of the Ox

Other Chinese zodiac signs will be asked to step up their efforts this year, but for the Ox, it’s your year — a great time to channel your energy in pursuing success when it comes to your career, love life, and wealth. Amplify positive influences by taking on new endeavours this year, like incorporating more silvery hues into your beauty regime.

Year: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Lucky colour: Silver

Year of the Tiger

It’s full speed ahead for all you adventurous and tenacious tigers. Keep your emotions in check and accept the fact that this year is going to ask more from you. In the meantime, step up your exfoliating routine to keep dull skin at bay and try your hand at new makeup looks (perhaps a smokey eye or two?).

Year: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Lucky colour: Gray

Year of the Rabbit

Like the Tiger, the Rabbit may struggle in the Ox year as well. Be patient and know that it’s okay if your work is not immediately rewarded. Fight the urge to make quick decisions, as this year might not a good time to make a big change. Stick to holy-grail skincare that you know will work wonders on your skin.

Year: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Lucky colour: Gold

Year of the Dragon

Dragons are known for their ambition and intellect. But in the year of the Ox, don’t assume everything will be handed to you at once. Stay focused and grounded for a year of steady progress. You may feel blah about your skin, but it’s not the time to slack off on your beauty routine.

Year: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Lucky colour: Red

Year of the Snake

Be aware of how you approach difficult subjects and how you handle certain relationships in 2021. To help you out, look to incorporating shades of peach into your life for an auspicious year ahead.

Year: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Lucky colour: Peach

Year of the Horse

The past year was a difficult one for everyone, but the Horse especially, since the Rat is the Horse’s natural opposite. This year, maintain control and remain steadfast for a year of growth, especially in relationships.

Year: 1942, 1954, 1966 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Lucky colour: White

Year of the Goat

Just as the year of the Rat was difficult for the Horse, the same might be true of the Goat in an Ox year. Start your year right by organising and decluttering, especially your shelfie. It’s time to upgrade your beauty essentials for a glow-up.

Year: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Lucky colour: Black

Year of the Monkey

Widely believed to be highly intelligent, those born in the Year of the Monkey usually thrive in fast-paced environments. Work hard and play hard this year, and make the most of your strengths with multi-tasking products. 

Year: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Lucky colour: Blue

Year of the Rooster

The upcoming year will be most fortunate for the Rooster; as Chinese zodiac signs go, the Ox and Rooster are highly compatible, mainly because Rooster is already used to working hard on a daily basis. Stay true to your nature and this year will be better than the last. 

Year: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Lucky colour: Pink

Year of the Dog

Unlike the Rooster, the Dog might not be so lucky in the new year. Those born in the year of the Dog are likely to meet resistance: While Ox prefers to stay the course, the Dog favours trying new things. Stick to tried-and-true favourites to help you get through the year.

Year: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Lucky colour: Yellow

Year of the Pig

Those born in the year of the Pig are naturally realistic and goal-oriented; remain diligent in your efforts and expect good fortune!

Year: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Lucky colour: Green