Astrology

Forget winter, Mercury retrograde is coming—here’s what to do ahead of time

Forget winter, Mercury retrograde is coming—here's what to do in the days leading up to the December 3 event, according to astrologer Jennifer Racioppi.

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Photo: Stocksy/Kevin Gilgan
Published Nov 25, 2017

Written by 

Jennifer Racioppi

Welcome to Cosmic Health, your day-by-day source of celestial advice with a wellness twist—and this week, we’re prepping for another Mercury retrograde, which kicks off on December 3. Astrologer Jennifer Racioppi is here to offer guidance on weathering the celestial event, with advice on food, fitness, sleep, sex, and more. 

Monday, November 27

With the moon traveling in Pisces today, you may feel the need for a little extra sleep. If so, indulge it. Honoring your circadian rhythm (24-hour cycle) is one of the most important things to do for your health—especially this time of year. So rather than staying up late looking for Cyber Monday deals, take a nice bath or indulge an evening yin yoga practice instead. Keep a notepad next to your bed so you can record your dreams upon waking! Don’t remember your dreams? Don’t worry. Journaling upon waking is a powerful practice regardless if you remember your dreams or not, and astrologically aligned.

Tuesday, November 28

Today, Saturn, the planet that rules discipline and structure conjoins Mercury, who rules communication, contributing a serious tone to the day. With Mercury retrograde right around the corner (yes, Mercury stations retrograde on December 3 and turns direct on December 22), now’s the time to look at the pertinent details and logistics of your life. Is there anything that needs your attention? Take care of business, and make wise commitments. Decisions made today stick. Use this power to your advantage.

Wednesday, November 29

With the waxing gibbous moon traveling through energetic Aries, now’s the time to take charge of your fitness routine. Assuming your menstrual cycle allows for it, prioritize high-impact activity and be certain to break a sweat. When it comes to work, step into your leadership capacity and embrace your ability to plan strategically. Allow the waxing moon Aries vibes to inspire and uplift. Should anger or other dissonant emotions come up, take a step back and get clear on the message they offer you!

Thursday, November 30

With the moon moving into Taurus today, be mindful of overindulging in holiday snacks. Prioritize blood-sugar-balanced, low-glycemic meals instead and say no to the extra treat at the office. Craving some sugar-free indulgences? Try a luxurious self-massage with a high-quality lotion. Don’t forget the oxytocin-inducing benefits of orgasms, either!

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Friday, December 1

Love- and beauty-oriented Venus moves out of sultry Scorpio into freedom-loving Sagittarius today, meaning you may suddenly feel the urge to deviate from your schedule to hit the open road. However, as the full moon and Mercury retrograde quickly approaches it’s important to not blow off your commitments. Discipline trumps freedom today. With Mars, the planet of action opposing change-making Uranus, things can become fiery quick. So stay in your lane, take care of you, and tend to the details.

Saturday, December 2

Luscious vibes abound today as Jupiter, the planet of good luck and good fortune trines spiritual Neptune. Tune into the subtle guidance of your intuition and see where it guides you. When it comes to yoga asana, prioritize poses that open your sixth chakra—or “third eye”—like inversions (if you’re not having your period, that is) and child pose. Don’t practice yoga asana? No worries. You can still meditate. Engage a seated meditation, and keep your focus at the point between your brow. Keep a journal nearby so you can record any messages or insights that come through.

Sunday, December 3

Happy full moon in Gemini. This is not your average Sunday. Mercury stations retrograde today and Neptune, the planet of spirituality, squares the Sun and Moon, forming what astrologers call a T-square. Today may feel cranky so stay patient with yourself and others. Keep a journal handy and write as much as possible to source intrinsic clarity and direction. Get outside under the moonlight and connect to the divine feminine. Pay attention to what’s becoming illuminated in your life and get ready to shed that which no longer serves you. With Mercury retrograde here, now’s the time to really listen to your intuitive guidance. Keep a close eye on your inner guidance.

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women’s health—to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success.

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ShoppingBeauty

Tons of Elizabeth Arden Skincare Finds Are on Major Sale at Walmart Right Now—Here’s What a Dermatologist Is Eyeing

Beautiful woman looking in mirror, applying Elizabeth Arden skincare lotion to face
Photo: Stocksy/jamie grill atlas
Published Feb 25, 2025

Written by 

Maeve McCormick

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission

Growing up, I’d sit cross-legged on my mom’s bathroom floor, totally mesmerized as she pulled out her stash of Elizabeth Arden skincare. There were the tiny serum capsules she’d crack open with precision, rich creams she smoothed on with ritualistic care, and the occasional spritz of her signature Red Door perfume (I can still smell it). To me, those sleek jars and gold-trimmed bottles felt like the height of sophistication—beauty secrets reserved for someone who really knew what they were doing.

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Those luxe moments are seared in my memory—but it turns out they're not just a thing of the past. Fast forward to today, and Elizabeth Arden is still going strong with the kind of staying power most beauty brands can only dream of. Board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD credits it all to its nourishing skincare ingredients like ceramides, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid.

From Dr. Nazarian's perspective, taking care of your skin with high-quality, veteran products is always worth the investment. But right now, tons of Elizabeth Arden skincare favorites are on *major* sale at Walmart—which means you don't have to swallow a luxury price tag to reap the benefits of these classics.

Peep Dr. Nazarian's Elizabeth Arden recommendations and add them to your cart while they're up to 75 percent off. When you do, you'll usher in your most nourished complexion—and a skincare routine that stands the test of time.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Eye Cream

Ceramide Lift and Firm Eye Cream — $34

One more time for the people in the back: An eye cream doesn’t need to cost $150 an ounce to deliver real results. Take this one, for example, which combines ceramides and vitamin E to deeply hydrate the under-eye area and help smooth fine lines, Dr. Nazarian says. It also contains peptides, which she says can help combat premature aging.

Elizabeth Arden New Prevage City Smart SPF 50

New Prevage City Smart SPF 50 Lotion — $30

On the hunt for the holy grail of everyday sunscreens? This one—which is nearly $40 off—may be your new match. "Never met a sunscreen I didn't like, but this one does a great job for those of us living in polluted cities, which research has shown can cause premature aging," Dr. Nazarian says.

"This sunscreen has barrier technology that protects against pollutants and improves skin's defenses against free-radical damage. It utilizes sheer zinc and titanium as its UV blockers, and blends with most skin types." Think of it as your skin’s daily armor, sans heavy-duty price tag.

Superstart Skin Renewal Booster by Elizabeth Arden

Superstart Skin Renewal Booster — $35

Turns out, Elizabeth Arden was ahead of the skin-microbiome curve. This serum uses probiotics to help balance your skin, keeping it strong and better protected from environmental stressors, Dr. Nazarian says. Think of it like a built-in bodyguard for your face. By reinforcing the skin barrier, it also helps lock in moisture for a healthier, more resilient complexion.

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Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Vitamin C Capsules

Ceramide Vitamin C Capsules — $25

Nourished skin, no matter where you go? Yes, please. "[This product is a] great way to travel with your vitamin C because it keeps this notoriously unstable vitamin in its purest state until you pop it open and use it," Dr. Nazarian says. "Vitamin C is quite sensitive to light and air, and these single-use capsules keep it effective until needed, and combine it with ceramides to hydrate and improve tolerability."

Psst: These radiance-boosting serum pods are normally priced at $95—so snag them while they're 75 percent off and toss them in your carry-on.

Ceramide Premiere Activation SPF 30 by Elizabeth Arden

Ceramide Premiere Activation SPF 30 — $54

If you’re aiming to simplify your skincare routine without sacrificing results, Dr. Nazarian recommends this all-in-one cream. After cleansing in the morning, swipe it on to hydrate, protect against UV rays, and boost your skin’s health in one simple step. With ceramides to fortify the skin barrier, SPF 30 for daily protection, and a collagen-boosting form of vitamin A, this formula works as hard as you do.

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Hydra-Plumping Serum Ceramide Capsules — $50

Found: Your skin's moisture dream team—at a price that feels too good to be true. "The great thing about this product is that it combines two different methods of improving moisture in the skin—a humectant, which draws in water (hyaluronic acid), but also an emollient to seal it in (ceramide)," Dr. Nazarian says. "This prevents loss of moisture to the environment. Both ingredients are naturally found in our own skin, and work well for all skin types."

I'm adding these to my cart while they're over $65 off—and calling my mom to let her in on every one of these steals at Walmart.

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