To achieve on-trend pointy nails – as seen on Lady Gaga and Rihanna – without actually getting the clippers out, check out the DIY illusion manicure below (it also makes for a great April Fools’ trick).

What You’ll Need:

• Two nail colors – one neutral, one bright (I used Sally Hansen’s “Nude Now” and OPI’s “Dutch Tulips”)
• Tape
• Scissors
• Clear top coat

The How-To:

1. Paint your nails with two coats of the neutral color.
2. Apply a clear top coat and let dry completely.
3. Cut semi-thin pieces of tape and place two strips on each nail, forming an open triangle.
4. Using the bright polish, paint the inside of the triangle and let dry completely.
5. Gently peel the tape off the right side, followed by the left. Doing this will help prevent smudging.
6. Finish with another application of the clear top coat.

By Carolyn Schultz, Staff Writer

Want more mani how-tos? Check out our weekly Mani Monday column. 

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Winter isn’t the only time when a smoky eye is appropriate. In softer shades (think brown, bronze, and even purple), this brighter, smudged-out makeup trend is completely doable for spring. Below, a step-by-step guide to achieving the look.

1. Prep skin with a super silky foundation to even skin tone and create a blank canvas.
2. Dust a warm brown, bronze, or light purple eye shadow all over lids, blending toward the brow bone.
3. Paint a slightly darker shade in the crease of your eyelid for depth.
4. For super-sharp definition, use a high-precision liner (in black or dark brown) with a handy smudger on the end to line your upper and lower lashes.
5. Smudge, smudge, smudge until you achieve a soft, blended look.
6. Finish off with a swipe of jet black mascara to frame your spring smoky eye.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

Will you try the smoky eye for spring? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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Spring is officially here, and that means one thing: it’s time to break out those pastels. My favorite way to rock them? With a manicure, of course.

For a new take on pastel nails, I’m looking to a spring tradition of mine – dyeing eggs for the holidays. Check out a few egg patterns here and then follow the steps below to create your own egg-inspired manicure.

What You’ll Need:

• Pastel nail colors (I used essie’s “turquoise & caicos” and “lilacism,” Milani’s “Tip Toe Pink,” and American Apparel’s “Neon Yellow”)
• Sally Hansen’s Nail Art Pen in white
• Clear top coat
• A steady hand

The How-To:

1. Paint each nail a different pastel color with two coats of polish.
2. Apply a clear top coat and let dry completely.
3. Using the Nail Art Pen, draw different designs and patterns on each nail. (Polka dots and squiggly lines are my favorites.)
4. Finish with another application of the clear top coat.
5. Show them off!

By Carolyn Schultz, Staff Writer

Have a manicure tip? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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The beginning of spring is just one day away, and even though there’s still a chill in the air (or a few inches of snow, if you’re in Boston), I can’t wait to say hello to a new season of hair trends. From loose waves to sleek ponytails, these are the styles to try out over the next few months.

1. Braids
Whether it’s a slightly undone fishtail or a few small plaits tied into a ponytail, spring is all about the braid. Try it on busy mornings for a put-together look in about 10 seconds flat.

2. Low Ponytails
The most low-maintenance look of the season (or, ever), the low ponytail was all over the spring/summer 2013 runways. Part your hair down the center and keep it sleek, or leave it loose all around.

3. Super Straight
Fine-haired girls, rejoice! Your naturally pin-straight locks are in for spring. For those of us without sleek strands, warm up those flat irons (not before spraying your hair with heat protector, of course).

4. Loose Waves
There’s nothing more romantic than soft, loose waves, and thankfully this style is here to stay. Let the salty ocean naturally wave your strands, or curl your hair then brush it out before spritzing (lightly) with hairspray.

5. Hair Accessories
Seen on the runways of FENDI, Chanel, and Dolce & Gabbana, hair baubles are a total must-do. From oversized pearls that amp up a low bun to colorful head scarves perfect for less-than-stellar hair days, this trend brings the fun back to hair styling.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

Which hair trends will you be trying? Take the poll then share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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From girl crush Blake Lively to the models of Houghton, lace nails are the latest mani must-have. So I, of course, just had to try it out. To achieve your own lacy nails, follow the simple steps below:

What You’ll Need:

• One nail polish color
• Black lace
• Scissors
• Toothpick
• Sally Hansen’s “Dries Instantly Top Coat”
• Sally Hansen’s “Hard as Nails”

The How-To:

1. Paint your nails with two coats of polish, then let dry.
2. Measure and cut 10 pieces of lace, one to to fit each nail.
3. Apply Sally Hansen’s “Dries Instantly” Top Coat.
4. Immediately place the trimmed lace onto each nail.
5. Use a toothpick to smooth out the corners and edges of the lace.
6. Apply Sally Hansen’s “Hard as Nails” to keep the lace in place (pardon the rhyme).

By Carolyn Schultz, Staff Writer

Have a manicure tip? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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Life moves fast (deep, I know). Chasing the bus down the street and getting to work on time is a daily challenge in itself. In an effort to slow the pace, I encourage you to rediscover the magic that is a bath. Spoon in a few scoops of these vanilla eucalyptus bath salts, light a candle or two,  and inhale the soothing aromas.

A few helpful tips: Skip the first step and pick up a large jar of combined Epsom and Dead Sea salts at the craft store for only a few dollars. Also, if you don’t love the smell of eucalyptus, use any type of dried herb or flower (like lavender or rosemary). Finally, I used the same coloring and fragrance as I did for this DIY soap, so if you have any left over, save yourself the extra trip.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

How did your bath salt scrub turn out? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala, then check out our Rue How-To column every Wednesday.

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Spring is all about renewal, and trickling that mantra down to your makeup bag is a must. Whether swapping out dark lipstick for sheer gloss or adding a pedicure kit and moisturizer with SPF to your arsenal, these beauty picks have your prettifying needs in the bag.

1. Moisturizer with SPF
Because you’ll likely be upping your vitamin D intake, make sure to use a moisturizer with SPF every morning for healthy, glowing skin (sans future wrinkles).

2. Pedicure Kit
Open-toe season has arrived – and keeping your feet in tip-top shape is of utmost priority. Just buff, swipe on your favorite spring shade, then flaunt.

3. Lip Gloss
Switching your lip color to something a little lighter and glossier has an oh-so-springlike effect. All that’s left? A little swipe of mascara and dusting of bronzer for a sunny update.

4. Tweezers
Bold brows are in for spring, but so is keeping them groomed (just be sure not to overpluck).

Our Hello, Gorgeous: Face, Hair, & Makeup Essentials Boutique opens Friday, March 15, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

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Generally, I’m a liquid soap kind of person. But there’s something about these artfully designed bar soaps that spruce up a space. They also make an impressive gift in a pinch (just tie them with a ribbon). All you need are a few key ingredients. Choose your favorite colors (or ones that complement your wallpaper), any fragrance (from chamomile to peppermint), then melt the soap, stir it, pour it, cool it, and you’re done.

Makes one 4-ounce bar of soap

What you’ll need:

• Sharp knife
• Opaque white soap (I bought a 2-pound pack of shea butter soap from my local craft store. You can also find it online.)
• Glass bowl
• Spoon
• Food coloring
• Vanilla fragrance or essential oil
• Soap molds
• Soap stamps

How to do it:

1. With a sharp knife, cut a 4-ounce block of soap and place it in a microwaveable glass bowl.
2. Melt on high for 30 seconds. Stir, then place soap back in microwave for three to five 10 – 12 second intervals, stirring in between each interval until soap is completely melted.
3. Remove soap from microwave. Add food coloring to soap one drop at a time, stirring between each drop, until desired color is achieved.
4. Add fragrance or essential oil. A good rule of thumb for fragrances is about 5 drops per ounce. Mix thoroughly.
5. With your stir spoon, put 3 – 4 drops of soap on the bottom of the soap mold. This will act as a glue for the stamp.
6. Firmly press the stamp into the mold with the design facing up. At this point, if your bowl of soap has hardened at the surface at all, give it one last stir, or place it back in the microwave for a few seconds.
7. Pour the soap into the mold.
8. Leave the soap out to harden for 40 minutes to an hour, or place it in the refrigerator for faster cooling.

Continue reading “Rue How-To: Make Your Own Hand Soap” »

Trying to figure out which makeup brushes to use? From contouring to defining, our makeup artist, Rachel, weighs in on the must-haves to add to your beauty arsenal ASAP – because having the correct brushes for application can make all the difference.

1. Concealer brush
Used for precise application and blending of all concealers around the eye, or to cover blemishes and red marks.

2. All-over eye color brush
A loose-bristle brush meant for applying eye shadow all over the lid.

3. Crease brush
Meant for defining eyes and creating depth in the creases.

4. Flat liner brush
The best way to get a perfectly straight line with gel or powder liner.

5. Foundation brush
Used to apply foundation evenly – without the added oils from using your hands.

6. All-over powder brush or Kabuki brush
Perfect for applying a powder foundation and bronzer.

7. Angled blush brush
The ideal size and shape for applying blush to your cheeks.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

What are your go-to makeup brushes? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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If CÉLINE’s head-to-toe ensemble for the Resort 2013 collection is any indication, the polka dot trend is set to pop up all over this season. To give your nails a piece of the spotted fun, check out the tips below on how to achieve a fashion-forward polka dot manicure:

What You’ll Need:

• Two polish colors (I used essie’s “Lady Like” and Sally Hansen’s “White On”)
• Scrap paper
• Mechanical pencil
• Clear top coat

The How-To:

1. Paint your nails with two coats of the color you would like for the base. Let them dry completely.
2. Put three large drops of your second color on a piece of scrap paper.
3. Dab the tip of the mechanical pencil into the puddle of polish and gently dot each nail until you get a design you like.
4. Let polka dots dry for a few minutes.
5. Apply a clear top coat to finish.

By Carolyn Schultz, Staff Writer

Have a manicure tip? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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