1. Exfoliate. Shave your legs. Then scrub with bath salts. A smooth surface is essential.

2. Moisturize. Any lotion will do. Dry skin will cause your sunless tan to flake sooner rather than later. Wait 5 – 8 minutes for the lotion to dry.

3. Apply tanning lotion with gloves. (If you choose not to use gloves, be sure to wash your hands with scrubbing salts when you’re finished.) Using both hands, massage the lotion in a circular motion. Start above your ankles and work your way up. Ask a friend to help with your back. Areas to skip for now: feet, ankles, knees, elbows, neck, face. Let the tanning lotion dry completely before continuing.

4. Once the lotion is dry, use a tanning spray held 4 – 6 inches from your body to lightly sweep over your legs, midsection, arms, back, and the areas you skipped in step 3 (except your face). This will cover any spots missed by the lotion. Let it dry for 5 – 10 minutes before bed.

5. To add a little color to your face, incorporate bronzer into your makeup routine. Or, use a dab of face tanning lotion and mix it into your moisturizer or liquid concealer.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

Questions? 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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By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

Want to know more about beauty? Follow our Pretty Talk column every Tuesday.

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By Anna Kuchinsky, Staff Writer

What great quotes did we miss? Share them in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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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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While the whirlwind that is New York Fashion Week has come to a close, the beauty trends (and street-style photos) are definitely some of the most memorable. The slightly messy, undone looks that we saw on the runways at the beginning of the week were present until the very end. Straight, unfussy hairstyles and minimal makeup (aside from a sweep of copper eyeshadow or a red lip) were at the forefront of almost every runway. So whether it’s the burgundy pouts at Derek Lam and alice + olivia, or a love for the ever-chic ponytail at Michael Kors, Donna Karan, Jenny Packham (tied with a silk ribbon), and Alexander Wang, one thing’s for certain – fall can’t come fast enough.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

What were your favorite beauty trends from NYFW? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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I’ll admit it: I’m clearly not a morning person. I like sleeping in more than anything else, which means it’s always a sprint to get out the door on time. So when I only have ten minutes to spare – with my hair in a messy bun on the top of my head and my makeup undone – having a go-to, super-quick beauty routine is a life (and time) saver. Below, some tips for a flawless look – sans hours of prep.

1. Do some of the work at night.
Allure suggests washing and conditioning your hair before bed, so it’s ready to go in the morning. If it needs a little extra help, use dry shampoo at the roots to refresh strands. And if you have dry, sensitive, or normal skin, they also advise only washing your face at night, then using a facial wipe before applying the day’s moisturizer with SPF.

2. Ten minutes is all you need in the morning.
Figure out what your must-have beauty products are, then decide which ones will make the biggest impact within the littlest amount of time (ten minutes, tops). Five products I swear by? BB cream (moisturizer, primer, and foundation all in one!), bronzer, eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss.

3. Keep your everyday makeup accessible.
If you’re prone to the early-morning frenzy, keep your everyday makeup in a separate spot or pouch. It will eliminate minutes spent rummaging for the eyeliner you’re looking for. Allure also suggests trying creamy formulas that can be applied without using a brush, or stocking up on multitasking products that can be used on cheeks and lips (like stains and cream blushes).

4. Bring your beauty bag to the office for touch-ups.
Once you’re done applying your makeup, zip up the pouch and toss it in your work tote. That way, if you need any touch-ups during the day, you’ll be all set.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

How do you get ready on busy mornings? Share them in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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We may not be experts in astrology or the moon’s position, but we do know style alignment. And in forecasting the next month, here’s what’s in store for you.

Aquarius
What’s life without a little mystery? This month, experiment with wearing sultry underpinnings beneath your everyday uniform and revel in knowing something the world doesn’t – and in the extra boost of confidence that inevitably follows.

Pisces
Spring is in the air (well, according to Punxsutawney Phil), so that means it’s time to start thinking Pantone® colors, eye-catching prints, and everything lace (just don’t take the plunge until the snow clears).

Aries
Warmer days are looming (and so is a packed social calendar). The best plan of attack? Start shopping the sale racks for winter steals and the fresh spring collections for a personally curated look that transitions without missing a beat – or a credit card payment.

Taurus
Last spring was all about pleats and peplum, but this year? Quit playing it safe and go for a more daring trend (crop top, anyone?) – you might like what you discover.

Gemini
The last-minute party invite: we all secretly love the drama, but how to get event-ready? Touch up your makeup with whatever’s on hand (mascara can double as eyeliner), let your hair down (literally, then give it a tousle, too), and get ready to schmooze.

Cancer
Counteract any wayward emotions this month with the secret recipe that cures all: one venting session, two new statement necklaces (two-for-one deals totally count), and a batch of these three-ingredient brownies that are mostly Nutella. Repeat as needed.

Leo
Acknowledgement for your hard work is always appreciated – but you know what’s better? The view of a perfectly organized closet filled with all the favorite springtime pieces you’ve been missing all winter long.

Virgo
Rumor has it it’s healthy to express yourself, so what are you waiting for? Snag that screaming-yellow hobo you’ve had your eye on and start communicating.

Libra
Now is not the time to be lazy. Add an accent wall to the bedroom (like, today), rock a powerfully printed jean in public, and wrap that hostess gift you’ve been harboring in the closet. Ready, set, go.

Scorpio
It’s practically a fact that if you put positivity out there, you get it right back. And what’s more positive than an impromptu vacation to a sun-drenched beach? Exactly.

Sagittarius
The fashion stars are aligning, and that can only mean one thing: NYFW. Being the social creature you are, it’s only natural that you drape yourself in a fur vest, don pointy-toe pumps, and throw a party for all 54 runway shows.

Capricorn
Your newly discovered enthusiasm is inspiring to everyone around you – particularly your best friend, since you convinced her she just had to have those Missoni pumps with matching… everything.

Catch up on last month’s style forecast, and never miss a fashion beat.

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I form deep and lasting attachments to my favorite makeup products (this probably has something to do with how much I spend on them). Yes, I am the type of lady who will hold on to a Chanel eye-shadow palette long after we should have parted ways because it cost upwards of $50. But, like a bad boyfriend, we need to toss the “just isn’t cutting it anymore” products from our makeup bags when they have nothing left to offer – besides bacteria. Ew.

Unsure of when to toss your mascara or that remaining nub of eyeliner? Here’s the shelf-life breakdown of your everyday basics.

Mascara: Every time you swipe your lashes, your wand collects itty bitty particles of bacteria that end up going right back into the mascara tube. Knowing this is enough to make me want to buy new mascara after each application, but experts recommend switching every two to three months.

Foundations: With the exception of powder mineral foundations (I live and die by Bare Minerals), most of which can last up to two years, all foundations are water-based, meaning they attract bacteria easily. It’s best to replace your foundation after six to twelve months.

Concealer: Powder and stick forms of concealer can last up to two years (take that, blemishes!), while liquid concealers should be discarded after one year.

Blush: The same rules for foundation apply to blush as well. If it’s powder-based, you’re good until you hit the two-year mark. Cream blushes, however, should be thrown away after a year.

Eye shadow and eyeliner: Follow the same rule of thumb as mascara: if a product is going anywhere near your eyes, replace after three months.

Lipstick and lip gloss: Both contain oil-based ingredients, which make these low-risk products in terms of spoiling. Aim to replace glosses and lipsticks after one year, unless you’ve been sick – then toss and start fresh.

The upside of cleaning out your makeup drawer? Shopping for new products, of course. (Sorry, bank account.)

By Lauryn Paiva, Staff Writer

Do you throw away your makeup when you should? Share in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala.

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It’s resolution season – we’re back at the gym, attempting to eat healthier, and swearing off bad habits we want to (permanently) ditch in 2013. During this time of You 2.0, there’s no shortage of ways to better yourself – so let’s not allow the small things to fall by the wayside.

Take your makeup brushes, for example. Cleaning those babies is something we should be doing on a fairly regular basis. How often, you ask? Here’s the breakdown:

Ideally, clean brushes between each use. This will help remove color from previous applications. Simply twirl your brushes over a damp facecloth and leave on a clean paper towel to dry.

Keep a schedule. To remove product buildup, excess oil, and bacteria, invest in a reliable brush cleaner (I love Sephora’s Daily Brush Cleaner) and go to town once every two weeks. Apply a liberal amount of cleaner to the head of the brush and use a thick tissue to wipe bristles from base to tips.

When the seasons change. Commit to a deep cleaning four times a year. Use warm water and a drop of your daily face wash or baby shampoo. Work up a lather and rub the bristles between your fingers. Reshape the brush by squeezing water from the base to the tips, then let air-dry.

By Lauryn Paiva, Staff Writer

How often do you clean your makeup brushes? Share in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala.

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New Year’s Eve is all about the sparkle. And for this year’s festivities, I’m going all out with a glitter manicure that will outshine even Times Square’s NYE ball.  For your own sparkly nail art (that will look elegant wrapped around a champagne flute), check out the steps below.

What You’ll Need:

-A bottle of your favorite colored nail polish and top coat

-Tape

-Scissors

-Jar of glitter (I used the Martha Stewart craft glitter found here.)

-Dry paintbrush

-Patience

Steps:

1)    Paint your nails with the colored polish and let dry completely.

2)    Cut thin strips of tape and place on nails at an angle.

3)    Immediately after, paint the top part of your nail with clear polish.

4)    Next, dip your freshly painted tip into the jar of glitter. Repeat for all nails.

5)    After 10 minutes, carefully peel the tape off of each nail. (Note: Try to peel off tape in one take, otherwise the tape will come off in pieces which will be tedious to fix – that’s where the patience comes in handy.)

6)    Use the dry paintbrush to dust off any wandering glitter.

By Carolyn Schultz, Staff Writer

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

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