If there’s anything 2021 taught us, it’s to take care of ourselves better than ever, in all aspects: diet, sleep, mental health, gut health, skincare, haircare and more. After all, health is wealth. That means self-care is a priority and a necessity. Something we need to consciously and continuously practise.
With the Year of the Tiger signifying a new chapter, we are taking cues from Chinese zodiac predictions to guide us in charting our 2022 self-care journey. Whether it’s boosting immunity, improving stress management or growing professional connections, there are specific areas for each zodiac sign to focus on.
Keep reading to see what 2022 has in store for you*, and the key self-care tip to take away. We’ve also included convenient recommendations from health and beauty mecca Guardian to help you along. Good luck and Gong Xi Fa Cai!
*Based on predictions by astrologer Joey Yap
Birth years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Tigers are expected to have a busy year ahead, with big changes in their life. As you keep busy, don’t forget about your own needs and take time out to do things you love.
Cushion foundation gives you a healthy, glowing complexion in one step, perfect for busy tigers who might be strapped for time.
Get: Maybelline Fit Me Cushion Foundation Matte + Poreless, $32.90
Part of Maybelline’s iconic Fit Me line, this cushion foundation with a matte finish is made with white clay to keep your complexion looking fresh and poreless. Complete with a Maybelline lip colour to bring life back to your face.
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Birth years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Job and wealth opportunities will keep Rabbits’ calendars full. To make full use of this, ensure that you allocate time to have proper meals to minimise disruption to your eating habits and your digestive system. Refrain from smoking and drinking, and take time to focus on exercising and maintaining a healthy diet.
Consuming kombucha rich with beneficial probiotics protects your digestive system.
Get: Teazen Kombucha Berry, $10.90
Available in three flavours – Berry, Lemon and Citron – Teazen is a low-calorie kombucha tea powder loaded with 12 different types of lactic acid bacteria (probiotics) and prebiotics. Each serving only has 16 kcal and is alcohol-free.
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Birth years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
In 2022, Dragons should take a step back and reflect on what happened over the past year. At the same time, think about what is the best way forward, and learn how to exercise better judgement for future decisions. Besides introspection, 2022 asks you to put your health, both mental and emotional (and not forgetting your skin health) first. You’ll feel much better when you listen and tend to your needs.
Start your nighttime skincare routine with a sheet mask to get your mind and body ready to wind down for the night while pampering your skin.
Get: I’m From Mugwort Sheet Mask 20ml, $5.50
I’m From is a cult favourite skincare label from South Korea. This facial sheet mask harnesses the calming properties of mugwort to soothe, repair and hydrate skin.
Buy it here
Birth years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Snakes may feel easily stressed out this year, which compounds digestive problems that can make it difficult to eat and function properly. Be careful with what you eat, and try various methods to relax, such as picking up a new hobby, doing activities that make you happy, and taking up meditation.
These beneficial microbes can strengthen your gut microbiome as well as help prevent and alleviate stomach issues.
Get: Life-Space Probiotics Broad Spectrum, 32 Billion CFU per capsule, 60 capsules, $49.90
Each Life-Space capsule contains 15 beneficial probiotic strains totalling 32 billion CFU (colony-forming unit). These probiotic pills are also suitable for vegetarians as they do not contain dairy.
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Birth years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Congratulations! Horses can expect good news on the work front, thanks to earlier efforts paying off. Don’t be surprised if you see yourself getting promoted or being more recognised by your superiors. Healthwise, you may suffer from insomnia, hormonal changes and hair loss throughout the year so take more time and effort to tackle the root cause of these issues before they become a problem.
To keep your mane full and healthy, add a scalp lotion to your daily haircare routine, to boost scalp health and reduce hair loss.
Get: Ryo Beautiful Aging Hair Loss Care Ampoule, $99
This Ryo scalp ampoule contains a slew of herbal extracts such as Korean ginseng, lingzhi, wilfordi root and ginger to reduce hair fall & strengthen weakened scalp & hair. Apply it to a clean scalp once a day, massaging it in with the pads of your fingers.
Buy it here
Birth years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Goats will need to spend more time on networking this year. This would help open more avenues and foster relationships to further your wealth and career. Your health this year is good — still, take care and rest well. For those who have been feeling under the weather on and off, you may find yourself recovering this year.
Freshening up your look, such as sporting a new hair colour, can help you feel more confident and ready to take on a new role and bigger responsibilities.
Get: Moremo Keratin Hair Color, $18.90
Moremo uses a proprietary Keratin Plex System that contains keratin protein to reduce hair damage and aid stable colour penetration. The three-step colour system consists of an ampoule, hair colour dye and a recovery balm to help you achieve salon-quality colour at home. Choose from five colours – Choco Brown, Ash Gray, Ash Rose Pink, Milk Blond and Ash Lavender.
Buy it here
Birth years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Monkeys may face a lot of challenges this year, especially in health and relationships. As such, you may have difficulty sleeping, and be plagued with emotional issues. Self-care will definitely be your best friend this year. Be careful when driving.
Besides practising good sleep hygiene such as snoozing at regular hours and avoiding screen time at least two hours before bedtime, have sleep supplements on standby for nights when you just can’t fall asleep.
Get: Ocean Health Sleep Support 30s, $29.90
Ocean Health Sleep Support has 30 tablets, each containing 5mg of melatonin, a hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. The melatonin is delivered in a patented technology that helps reduce the time taken to fall asleep as well as prolong restful sleep.
Buy it here
Birth years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Roosters are another sign that should network more this year, as their wealth luck — especially in sales, real estate and law — looks good. Make hay while the sun shines in 2022. This will help build greater wealth and romantic opportunities.
Choosing the right foundation will ensure that any makeup you apply subsequently will look good, keep you looking polished and feeling confident.
Get: Aprilskin Tone Up Skin Tint Set, $40
The Aprilskin Tint is a combination of a tinted moisturiser and texture corrector. The lightweight formula is budge-proof, and infused with Cica Calming Complex to perk up and brighten tired, dull skin. It also has SPF 50+ / PA ++++ sun protection rating.
Buy it here
Birth years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Dogs might get injured if they are not careful this year. You may also feel down and out emotionally, so spend more time reconnecting with close friends or family. At the workplace, avoid those who may bring you down. There’s a chance for career advancement.
Look and feel your best by creating a wide-eyed look that is still office-appropriate.
Get: Eyecrown Art Croquis Stick, $$14.90 and Eyecrown Lashfull ArtCara, $18.90
Cream eyeshadow sticks such as the Art Croquis Sticks are easy to blend and can create a polished eye makeup look in a jiffy. Finish with lashes of the Eyecrown Lashfull ArtCara mascara.
Available in-store
Birth years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Moderation is key for Pigs. Keep a healthy diet, exercise often and drink lots of water. Don’t overindulge in rich and fatty foods. Minimise alcohol consumption and smoking.
Anti-inflammatory foods include fruits and vegetables, as well as spices, whole grains, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids.
Get: Shinya Koso Daily Digestion Enzyme, $39.10
This supplement contains five kinds of anti-inflammatory turmeric to aid in the breakdown of alcohol, great if you’ve had one too many. Simply dissolve the powder in a cup of room-temperature water and drink. It comes in handy sachets, and is perfect as a daily supplement to help protect you from diseases.
Buy it here
Birth years: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
This year is all about hard work for Rats. You’ll have to put in effort to reap the rewards. Rats also have the potential to start their own businesses this year. Stay aware of your surroundings as you may encounter accidents or get physically injured. Pay attention when driving.
There’s no better time than now to ensure that your health is in tip-top condition, so boost your immune system with Vitamin C supplements.
Get: Guardian Vitamin C 1000mg + Zinc 10mg tablets, $3.90
This vegetarian-friendly formula comes with antioxidant zinc for added extra health perks.
Buy it here
Birth years: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
This year brings you opportunities to develop your career, but this might come with added stress and burnout. So practice self-care, put on your fiercest lipstick and don’t for a second forget your worth or you’ll risk out on the opportunity made for you.
An uplifting lipstick can quickly brighten up both your look and your day. A hydrating lipstick also doubles to nourish your lips so you don’t have to stress over a chapped pout.
Get: Silkygirl Moisture Rich Lipcolor, $11.90
Formulated with mulberry oil, jojoba oil and vitamin E, the Silkygirl lipsticks keeps your lips moisturised and vibrant thanks to its creamy, long-wearing formula. Blot off the excess with a tissue to really prevent it from smudging onto your face mask.
Available in-store
For more health and wellness must-haves this Chinese New Year, visit Guardian.