By Make-up Artist Mahmoud Rashad

With Cairo’s now infamous cold winters, and its ever buzzing social scene, you do not want to be spotted out and about wearing your finest winter coats and a face that does not match it. While different couture houses took different approaches to this season’s make up looks, we have picked for you the two finest looks with colors that will surely complement your winter wardrobe.

But before we talk colors, always make sure your face is well moisturized and nourished before applying any make-up to your face during winter to prevent your face from looking dull, or even worse flakey.

Dior opted for an olive green, navy blue and soft highlights to complement the shades in one palette. Start off by prepping your eye lids with an eye primer, and apply the navy blue or the olive green on the outer corner of your eyes and smudge softly. Using another eye shadow brush apply the gold highlight in the inner corner of your eyes and blend the two colors together. Pair this look with a nude lip to keep it soft and elegant.

For a bolder winter look; YSL opted for a metallic brown smoky eye, highlighted with a copper cold tone in the center of the eye to make your eye pop out. Start off by dusting the metallic brown on your eye lid using a flat eye shadow brush and then dot a golden tone in the center of your eye using a sponge applicator and blend the two colors together to soften the effect. To give this look the winter twist, dare to wear a dark red lip color to add flair to the mystery of the look.

Rashad recommends:

Primer: Make-up Forever HD Elixir & HD Primer

Eyeshadows: Dior in Garden no. 434

Blue no. 386

Mordore no. 438

Ribon no. 628

Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Coco no. 31

A Great Match or ‘Game Over’?

By Hilary Diack

How can you begin to define the diverse, complex, contradictory, confusing, charismatic, and sometimes infuriating mélange of characteristics that make up the human personality?  And more intriguing, how do we all manage to get along, and even fall in love?

A recent meeting with Dr. Abdel Nasser Omar, leading psychiatrist and CEO of Al Mashfa Hospital proved to be informative and revealing.  Cairo West Magazineshares it with you.

CWM: How do you classify the main personality types?

AO: From a psychiatrist’s point of view the personality is a cluster of different traits, combined in a group. We could say that there are around 13 to 14 main types of personality. Many personality types fall into ‘normal’ range, but can become exaggerated when interacting with other certain personality types.

Looking at the first main cluster, which we loosely define as ‘odd’ or ‘eccentric’ we have several sub-types: paranoid, schizoid and schizotypal.

Paranoid: Constantly suspicious, they find it difficult to trust anyone, will question the fidelity of his or her spouse, loyalty of friends. This type is also likely to bear grudges.

Schizoid: This person doesn’t relate, is reluctant to express emotion, has few close friends, and tends to avoid social activities and interaction. They are typically ‘cold fish’, even with people they often have in their immediate environment.

Schizotypal: Generally a combination of the two preceding types, this person is a loner by nature, suspicious, avoids social interaction, and holds eccentric, pseudo-scientific and pseudo-philosophical views. They have the potential to become schizophrenic.

Looking at the second group, we can class them as impulsive and emotionally unstable.

Borderline personality disorder: Many people have traits in this category, but manage to avoid having it develop into a full-blown disorder. They tend to be unstable and very impulsive, with no concrete life strategy. Their personality can be reactive and easily influenced. They are thrill seekers, always looking for instant gratification .

Histrionic

Usually the female of the species. This type wants to be the center of attention and can be a ‘drama queen’ with exaggerated displays of temperament. There is an ongoing obsession with being sexually seductive, with a strong need to enhance physical attributes and be admired by the opposite sex.

Narcissistic

Here we find a personality that is more common with the guys. They tend to be very self-centred, with a need for adulation. They expect to be given priority in any situation, as they feel they warrant it. They can never be wrong or imperfect, in their own eyes at least, so their self-love is actually genuine.

Anti-social

Appearances can be deceptive. To the casual observer, and even those who think they know him or her quite well they are charming, attentive, a good spouse and parent, and agreeable friend. They are often intelligent and can excel in business and politics, which they regularly do. So, where’s the catch? At heart, or lack thereof, they are cold, manipulative and callous.

The third cluster of personality types is described as anxious and fearful.

Dependent

This type is totally dependent on others in their life, constantly seeking reassurance and emotional support. Lacking self-confidence, they find it difficult to take decisions by themselves. Not being willing to push forward and demand attention, it may not immediately be apparent that they need caring for.

Avoidant

In this case there is a social phobia. Although they enjoy company, their sense of shyness and fear of receiving a negative reaction or being humiliated can mean they avoid a lot of gatherings. They can feel comfortable in smaller groups and interact quite well.

Obsessive Compulsive

Totally driven, this type can be obsessed with details, analytical, and ritualistic. Insisting on always being right, they tend to see things as black or white. With an exaggerated preoccupation with rules and regulations, they need to clearly delineate what is right and what is wrong.

Another type of personality that occurs frequently can be categorized as depressive.

The predominant mood is pessimistic, gloomy, negative and lacking in humour. The person tends to look on the bleak side and expect the worst outcome in any situation.  Their self-concept centres on feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness and they may exhibit low self-esteem.

So, how do they get along with other types, or even their own?

Paranoid / Paranoid: Perfect material for a budding scriptwriter, this combination is a private detective’s dream. Suspicion overload!

Paranoid / Schizoid or Schizotypal: The Paranoid would be constantly starved of any warmth or affection to allay fears of betrayal, the Schizoid couldn’t care less.

Paranoid /Borderline Personality Disorder: Maybe the Paranoid has every reason to worry, who knows what the BPD will do next? No comfort zone here. The BPD would just laugh off the Paranoid’s concerns.

Paranoid / Histrionic: If the Paranoid is male and the Histrionic female it could be a relationship from hell. Her attention-grabbing behaviour would be seen as ongoing signs of betrayal and infidelity, justified or not. The Histrionic would need to constantly reassure the Paranoid.

Paranoid / Narcissist: If the Paranoid can accept the Narcissist’s self-obsession they may be able to cope, for a while. The feeling of being manipulated would probably wear them down in the long run. The Narcissist would only stick around so long as the Paranoid served their purpose.

Paranoid / Anti-social: The Anti-Social can be quite a go-getter in life, so maybe the Paranoid is able to accept the down-side in order to reap some benefits?

Paranoid / Dependent, Avoidant, Obsessive Compulsive or Depressive: Now, this is more manageable. There will be less scope for Paranoid’s suspicion and doubts. While maybe not the most cheerful of combinations, they should be able to form reasonably stable relationships.

Schizoid or Schizotypal/ Schizoid or Schizotypal: Strangely, these loners could find common ground, a sort of instinctive understanding of each other’s need for space. Not impossible.

Schizoid or Schizotypal/ Borderline personality disorder: There could be an initial attraction, particularly between the Schizotypal and BPD. The key would be the eccentric views of the first, which may influence and excite the BPD. A potential recipe for trouble, this one!

Schizoid or Schizotypal/ Histrionic: It is unlikely the Histrionic would receive the response they seek from either of these types, there is very little common ground. Not a likely combination.

Schizoid or Schizotypal/ Narcissistic: The Narcissist’s charm may fall on stony ground with these types. In an arranged marriage they could cope by role-playing when needed, but what a strain!

Schizoid or Schizotypal/ Anti-social: Again, there would be little to attract these two types. Maybe shared goals, if they could be pragmatic enough. The Anti-social could be irritated by the Schizotypal’s eccentricity.

Schizoid or Schizotypal/ Dependent: The Schizoid or Schizotypal are not really cut out for taking care of anyone, let alone themselves, so the Dependent would really have a struggle getting support of any type in this relationship.

Schizoid or Schizotypal/ Avoidant: A shared aversion to crowds and an active social life could suit these two. They could make it work.

Schizoid or Schizotypal/ Obsessive Compulsive: So long as they could live and let live they might adjust to each other’s quirks.

Schizoid or Schizotypal/ Depressive: The risk here is that they could send each other into a real state of doom and gloom. Not much light at the end of the tunnel in this match.

Histrionic / Histrionic: Scary to consider, there would be a lot of competitiveness here, but a certain amount of camaraderie could surface. Never a dull moment!

Histrionic / Narcissist:Maybe neither of them could stand the competition for attention in this one?

Histrionic / Anti-Social: If the Anti-Social type sees the Histrionic as useful, they could manage them to serve their ends. Not a relaxed situation, but not uncommon either.

Histrionic / Dependent, Avoidant, Obsessive Compulsive, Depressive: The main issue here would be the ability each type might offer in terms of accepting the Histrionic’s craving for attention. If they can deliver, it could work. The Dependent may find it a battle to have their needs recognized.

Narcissistic/ Narcissistic: Ouch. How long would it take for the ice to set in? There is no room here for both of them.

Narcissistic/ Anti-social: The Anti-Social can read the Narcissist rather easily, and manipulate them. It depends what they can both get out of the relationship, there needs to be a common benefit.

Narcissistic/ Dependent, Avoidant, Obsessive Compulsive or Depressive: The key to these combinations lies in the Narcissist getting the attention required to maintain co-existence. There is not likely to be much resistance, so it could work, on an unequal level.

Anti-social/ Dependent, Avoidant, Obsessive Compulsive or Depressive: The Anti-Social would be in control in these relationships, but could choose them for that reason. There would be limited challenge to their decisions, they would be in the driver’s seat in most cases.

Anti-social/ Anti-social: Let the games begin. Two master players would battle to the end. If they had common interests at heart they could be a force to be reckoned with. Dangerous!

Dependent, Avoidant, Obsessive Compulsive or Depressive/ Dependent, Avoidant, Obsessive Compulsive or Depressive: Not combinations to take the world by storm, nonetheless they have the ability to understand their weaknesses and not feel threatened too much by each other. Supportive relationships could grow.

Picking your Own Greens

By Shorouk Abbas

Salad lovers rejoice! With a wide variety of fresh green hydroponically-grown produce being distributed in the market by Egyptian Hydrofarms, we can now enjoy an unprecedented selection of vegetables and herbs. Cairo West Magazine paid a visit and met with co-founders AmrBassiouny and Adel Shentenawy.

CWM: Amr, how did the idea for Egyptian Hydrofarms come about?

AB: We came up with it in 2011, when the economy was not great. I started doing research and development and experimenting on my own balcony. My partner Adel joined me later in November 2012.

How does hydroponic agriculture differ from other growing methods?

AB: We don’t use any insecticides, and our method of growing saves 90% of the water normally used in traditional agriculture.

What types of vegetables and herbs can we find?

AB: We have several types of lettuce, including Romaine, Butterhead, Batavia  andOakleaf, in addition to the well-known Iceberg variety. You can also find endive, chard, kale and lovely fresh herbs.

How can people buy your products?

AB: We distribute through two high-quality food retail chains, which is a convenient option for many people. But, for anyone wanting to really enjoy the experience of picking their own vegetables in an environment close to nature, they can come and do just that. Call us a day in advance, we are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. School trips are also welcome, we think it is a great way for children to learn more about environmentally-friendly food production.

What message do you want to send the community?

AS: I want to encourage others to change the culture of farming and agriculture in Egypt. You do not have to use pesticides. Local markets are healthy and you can survive by dealing with the local market. A misconception in the agriculture business is you only make money when you export. I am introducing new, healthy crops in the market and I encourage others to do the same. I am changing the supply chain. It’s now farm to fork. My crops go directly from my farm to your table.

AB: It is important for everyone to know that they can start their own business whenever they want to.  If they have an idea, all they need is a mixture of common sense, some business skills and a lot of hard work. When I started thinking of this project everybody told me that agriculture does not make money. I was also told that you need to do this on a big scale, otherwise it would not be profitable. I proved them wrong.

Cairo Day Out

Photography by Ahmed Salah &Manal Abdel Rehim

Our tour of central Cairo began at the Cairo Tower in the heart of Zamalek. Standing at 187 meters high, the Tower is flanked by the Cairo Opera House, the Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, as well as several small gardens.

A short pedestrian excursion over Qasr El Nil Bridge, while enjoying more Nile views, led us to Tahrir Square. Originally designed to mimic the streets of Paris, Downtown has a unique architecture unlike anywhere else in Egypt. We took a walk through the historically rich area, taking in the sights of the buildings, the shop windows, and the traditional cafés. Also worth taking pause at Downtown is the revolution graffiti that bred a new art movement in the area.

While on your Downtown tour, why not take in a play at the famous Miami Theatre, followed by a tea at Café Riche, a historical landmark tied to the 1919 Revolution and the 1952 Revolution. There you will find posters of Um Kulthoum’s first vocal performances as a teenage girl, as well as many antiques and artifacts in the museum-like basement bar. You just have to ask for permission to descend.

Other historical landmarks include ice-cream parlor and café Groppi in TalaatHarb Square, as well as Al Amrecan café on TalaatHarb Street.

Other activities you can enjoy are a carriage ride around the island of Zamalek, or have a lunch-with-a-view on one of the many Nile boats as well.

Iconic Downtown Spots

1. Estoril Restaurant

12 TalaatHarb St., Downtown. ( Located in an alleyway between TalaatHarb Street and Kasr El Nil)

2. Café Riche

This narrow restaurant, allegedly the oldest in Cairo, was the favoured drinking spot of the intelligentsia. A certain old guard still sits under the ceiling fans, along with tourists who like the historic ambience.

17 TalaatHarb St., Downtown.

3. Simonds

29 Sherif St.  Downtown

Steeped in tradition, Simonds Bakery & Cafe has been serving the Cairene community with the highest-quality baked goods, French and Oriental pastries and coffee since 1898.

4. Windsor Hotel

19 AlfiBeyStreet, Downtown.

Located in the heart of Cairo’s shopping, business and theater districts, the hotel is within walking distance of some of the city’s most celebrated attractions. The Windsor is also a venerable Cairo institution and boasts a rich history and warm hospitality.

All in your Stars?

By Hilary Diack

We have heard about star-crossed lovers, and being starry-eyed with happiness, but what can the stars really tell us about our love lives and finding the right match? As most people don’t get past comparing their Sun signs; that’s as good a starting point as any. For anyone wanting to delve a bit deeper go to our online version.

Aries

(21 March-20 April)

You have a warm and ardent nature, true to your ‘fire’ sign element. Your keywords are adventurous, reckless, impatient, enthusiastic and affectionate. A born pioneer, you should team up with someone who can stand the pace, and enjoy the ride.

Best matches:

Gemini – Your daredevil moods and spur-of-the-moment plans will appeal to variety-loving Gemini, and their ability to change like a chameleon will intrigue you.

Leo: A fellow fire sign, you will be able fuel each other’s joie de vivre, but your slightly rough-and-ready approach may offend Leo’s need for respect (or adulation).

Sagittarius: You could conquer the world together, you share an adventurous streak and resilience that would help you stand up to of a lot of challenges together.

Wild card:

Aquarius: Aries can be a tad selfish, so may not understand the Aquarian’s humanistic and ‘do-gooder’ tendencies. But Aries is not clingy by nature, and that suits Aquarius just fine.

Best to avoid:

Cancer: Just too touchy and sensitive to cope with your average Aries. Aries’ quick temper may have Cancer in tears a bit too often.

Libra: They say that opposites attract, but Libra’s need for a structured social life and elegant lifestyle may clash with Aries unwillingness to be tied down to protocol too much.

Taurus

(21 April-21 May) 

Practical, down to earth, sensual, stubborn, comfort-loving, gourmand, and often musical, Taurus really can be called the ‘salt of the earth’. You appreciate stability, and can be good providers, as the material things in life count with you.

Best matches:

Cancer: Cancer is a great home-maker, and is comfortable taking care of anyone they love. As they are often good cooks it can be a match made in heaven.

Virgo: Both earth signs, you appreciate each other’s common-sense. If Taurus can be patient with Virgo’s tendency to nit-pick and nag it can be a long-lasting union.

Capricorn: Nothing would suit Taurus better than ambitious hard-working Capricorn. The mortgage will get paid on time! Not many surprises here, but Capricorn may find that Taurus can bring out the best in them.

Pisces: Sweet natured Pisces can get along just fine with Taurus, and will usually be happy to go with the flow. Taurus may need to handle the day to day business side of life, but Pisces’ unpredictability can inject a bit of excitement into the mix.

Wild card:

Leo: You both love the finer things in life, and Leo is generous by nature. So long as the money keeps rolling in it could work, but when the funds run out things could fall apart.

Best to avoid:

Aquarius: The rebel of the galaxy and conservative Taurus may have trouble finding common ground. Unless of course, they can combine the Taurean affinity for the soil and gardens with Aquarius’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit in an eco-farming venture. Just a thought!

Gemini

(22 May-21 June) 

One of the dual signs, Gemini often marries more than once. You can get bored rather easily, and need a mate who can keep up with your craving for variety and stimulation. On the up-side, you are a great mate for anyone who enjoys being kept guessing, another Gemini maybe?

Best matches:

Leo: So long as Gemini pays proud Leo the right amount of attention and avoids flirting with anyone else it could be a great relationship. You could keep each other endlessly entertained, and play on each other’s sense of drama.

Libra: Two air signs together run the risk of getting lost in the world of ideas, and wonderful conversations about the social scene, the latest scandals and a spot of culture. All very well, but who would be willing to buckle down and take care of the daily chores?

Aquarius: Gemini would be a willing partner in many of Aquarius’s escapades. You both enjoy thinking outside of the box, and are up for anything new and different. You bring out each other’s quirky creativity.

Wild card:

Aries: You both thrive on busy lifestyles, and that means you probably wouldn’t have time for ennui to set in. Gemini can burn out with too much nervous energy, so Aries should know when to slow the pace for a while.

Best to avoid:

Virgo: Although you are both ruled by the planet Mercury it may be too much of a good thing. Both signs enjoy communication and mental challenges, but equally share an ability to ‘burn out’ by overdoing things.

Sagittarius: Initially it may seem like a load of fun, especially as travel-loving Sagittarius can come up with more than enough ideas to keep Gemini enthralled. But deep down Gemini needs to have someone to ground them a little, and Sagittarius may not be able to fit the bill.

Cancer

(22 June-22 July) 

Sensitive, intuitive, caring, protective, but also moody and easily hurt or offended, Cancer needs someone who can appreciate their wonderful qualities. Usually good in the kitchen and keen home-makers.

Best matches:

Taurus: This is a combination that could work long-term. You both appreciate stability, and family life. Financially you understand how to build up a tidy nest egg, real estate investments could work out well.

Virgo: There is enough common ground to let this combination work,although Virgo may have to hold back on the urge to dish out well-meaning criticism. Cancer may respond by withdrawing into his or her shell, making for long cold periods of silence while poor Virgo tries to work out what went wrong.

Scorpio: Ah, here is someone that can understand what it is like to be ruled by emotions. You may not even have to use words to communicate, empathy should be strong.

Pisces: This could end up being a tear-fest, especially when it comes to soppy movies. Keep a good stock of Kleenex on hand.

Wild card:

Aquarius. Over the years there have been a lot of strong marriages between Cancerian women and Aquarian men, although it is hard to see what makes them work!

Best to avoid:

Aries: You are a bit like chalk and cheese, it is unlikely you will be attracted to each other unless you have a dynamic in your personal birth charts.

Leo

(23 July-22 August) 

Proud,dignified, generous and creative, you can be the best of friends and a loyal and protective mate for whoever is lucky enough to win your heart. You do respond well to flattery and cannot stand to be ignored, but that rarely happens as you stand out in any crowd.

Best matches:

Aries: Just as courageous as its fellow fire sign, Aries can also provide the warmth and affection that will keep a relationship humming along. Never a dull moment here!

Gemini: Silver-tongued Gemini can fascinate andintrigue Leo, and has a sense of drama that suits Leo’s flamboyant side.

Libra: Elegant, tactful and charming, and usually good-looking,Libra is a great mate for any Leo who wants a mate who can keep up to his or her standards. Cultured as well!

Wild card:

Sagittarius: Yes, you share the fire element, but Sagittarius can be a little too blunt at times for your comfort. However, so long as you find enjoyable activities to share it can work.

Best to avoid:

Scorpio: Scorpio’s particular brand of sarcasm will go down like a lead balloon with proud Leo. Leo has a warm heart, but likes to be king or queen of the castle. Scorpio isn’t impressed!

Virgo

(23 August-21 September)

So often maligned due to your critical nature and seeming cool demeanour, you actually do have a softer side. Maybe it is your rather shy nature that stops people getting too close to you, although when you choose to open up it can be hard to stop you! It’s true, you can be a neat-freak, fussy about food, and nit-picky about details, but those can be strengths as well.

Best matches:

Taurus: This can work, you are both well-grounded and practical by nature. Taurus will help Virgo relax and learn to take time to smell the flowers. Taurus enjoys eating well, and Virgo will be making sure it is organic, hydroponic, gluten-free etc., so that is a good start.

Scorpio: If anyone can uncap the hidden depths within Virgo, it is likely to be a Scorpio. They can see beyond that Virgo veneer of prudishness and encourage them to live life a little more to the full. Scorpio appreciates Virgo’s keen analytical ability. Potentially a powerful combo.

Capricorn: Again, both being earth signs the focus is on practicality. A shared respect for responsibilities and routine may see a household running like clockwork, the only catch being that spontaneity and fun may be stifled unless you write it into your calendar.

Wild card:

Aquarius: Virgo likes a bit of space torecoup energy and relax, and Aquarius is good at allowing that. You can be mentally stimulating for each other.

Best to avoid:

Sagittarius: If Virgo gets too critical of Sagittarius’s slap-happy ways they may get it back in spades. There is not a lot of common ground here, so hurt feelings would probably be the result.

Libra

(22 September-22 October)

Born diplomats, lovers of culture, fine art and refinement, and love, of course. Libra is rarely without a significant other for long as partnerships are important to you. But, you tend to be indecisive, something that can keep relationships and other life issues a bit on edge.

Best Matches:

Gemini: Libra adores good company, and who better than a Gemini to keep them endlessly entertained.This combination could throw great parties together.

Leo: Big-spending Leo likes to invest in making a good impression, and Libra has the taste to do it well. You couldn’t beat this pair-up for climbing the social ladder.

Capricorn: It may seem strange that airy Libra could work with stolid Capricorn, but Capricorn’s ambition and drive will ensure Libra the security and social position it craves.

Wild card:

Pisces: Pisces can be a goodfoil for Libra’s vacillations. They are empathetic, cuddly and generally happy to go with the flow.

Best to avoid:

Aries: Although Libra could be swept away by Aries full-on charm, all of that energy and being constantly on the go would wear Libra out. That Libra lazy streak, you see.

Scorpio

(23 October-21 November)

Magnetic, inscrutable, secretive and often suspicious, you can keep most people guessing. You have a talent for keeping the object of your affections under a spell, your ability to manipulate is second to none. A deep thinker, you have little interest in the banal or trivial.

Best matches:

Cancer: Male Scorpio will enjoy the femininity that lady Cancer has by the bucket load. Both are highly intuitive, so it can be an emotionally harmonious pairing.

Virgo: Virgo will have a healthy respect for your strong personality, and is usually attracted to your simmering sex-appeal. You can recognize and benefit from each other’s strengths.

Pisces: Again, a combination of two water signs can be a marriage made in heaven, or just too soppy and dramatic for words.  Think Liz Taylor and Richard Burton for example.

Wild card:

Taurus: Polar opposites, but there is a strong sensuality factor at play here. Both of you enjoy hedonistic pleasures, maybe a little too much when you are there to spur each other on!

Best to avoid:

Aquarius: Aquarius may set themselves up for ridicule by Scorpio if they keep insisting on trying to save the world. Scorpio has a ruthlessly pragmatic streak after all.

Sagittarius

(22 November-21 December)

Great friend, intrepid adventurer, philosopher, sporty. And to top it off your probably have a zany sense of humor, practical jokes included. You are not the easiest person to domesticate, so try teaming up with a fellow traveler, someone who will enjoy sharing your wanderlust.

Best Matches:

Aries: You are well suited, and may be great buddies as well as romantic partners.Actually romance may take a second seat to just having fun.

Leo: You share a big-hearted approach to life, so anything you do together would have to be on a grand scale. We are talking “wedding-of-the-year” stuff here.

Aquarius: OK, so you may scoff at some of Aquarius’ more eccentric habits, but you will appreciate the freedom this partnership allows. Nothing worse than trying to tie either of you down!

Wild Card:

Fellow Sagittarius: It could be a bit much with two daredevil risk-takers together, willing to take a gamble on anything. But hey, if it works it could be amazing!

Best to avoid:

Cancer: It would take Cancer too much effort to keep track of Sagittarius, and equally Sagittarius would never understand Cancer’s moody silences.

Capricorn

(22 December-20 January)

Ambitious and far-sighted, you are not daunted by looking at things in the long term. Actually, that is where one of your greatest strengths lies; you can plan ahead and work steadily towards your goal. And heaven help anyone who tries to stand in your way.

Best matches:

Taurus: You can both be quite frugal, so sit back together and watch the bank accounts grow. Real estate investments together should work, and any home you might create together will simply ooze timeless quality.

Virgo: Luckily Capricorn can happily exist without overt displays of affection, so life with steady Virgo can work in the long run. It’s not that Virgo isn’t crazy about Capricorn; it’s just that shyness about expressing it!

Pisces: This pair-up can have a little magic. Pisces has the ability to sprinkle a bit of other-worldly stardust along the way, something that might nudge Capricorn away from any obsession with routine.

Wild card:

Aries: Aries is a great one for initiating something, and Capricorn certainly has staying power. This has potential to be a powerhouse combination, especially if you plan to make waves in the social sphere.

Best to avoid:

Gemini: Capricorn has limited patience with frivolity, and although you might enjoy Gemini’s gift of the gab, the personality changes may eventually tire you.

Aquarius

(21 January-19 February)

Sometimes eccentric, always fascinating, and definitely quirky, you may confuse most of the people who try to keep up with your own brand of logic. You are probably just a bit ahead of your time. Anyone who lets you steal their heart will never be bored, that’s for sure!

Best matches:

Gemini: Gemini has the ability to adapt to the company it keeps, so you could spend happy hours chatting about the strangest things. However, can Aquarius’s need for personal space and Gemini’s occasional fickle nature create enough glue to hold it together?

Libra: Libra will warm to Aquarius’s cerebral character, and like your unique approach to art and literature. It could be a fine marriage of minds, if a little lacking in other departments.

Sagittarius: As mentioned before, there will be a live-and-let-live element to this partnership. Plenty of breathing space, but Sagittarius needs to respect Aquarius’s somewhat radical ideas on certain topics.

Wild card:

Aries: You have an inventive streak, and Aries loves kick-starting new projects. And Aries has a warm, affectionate nature that may just remind the ‘tin man’ that he does have a heart after all.

Best to avoid:

Leo: Leo’s love of ostentation could have the hackles rising on proletarian Aquarius’s neck. All that largesse when there are under-privileged people in need? It would be a challenge to make it work.

Pisces

(20 February-20 March)

Soulful, sensitive, dreamer, and a wonderful shoulder to cry on. If you are not busy rescuing people from themselves you are probably collecting strays for adoption. Not always on track yourself when it comes to practical issues, you have your own special brand of creative genius.

Best matches:

Taurus: Taurus has the practical streak to balance Pisces dream-like approach to daily realities. There is a lot of love here though, both have a warm nature.

Cancer: You are both very sensitive, and so intuitive at times you don’t need to have things explained. If you can be strong enough together to keep the hard, cruel world at bay it would be wonderful.

Scorpio: This is someone Pisces can relate to, even when things get stormy. It just makes it more fun to patch it up, again and again.

Wild card:

Capricorn: There should be a natural rapport, and Capricorn will keep Pisces working to some sort of a schedule in life. Well, almost.

Best to avoid:

Anyone of any sign who doesn’t adore you for simply being you!