April Ipsy Glam Bag Review

Posted on April 20, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

April’s Ipsy bag is a lovely addition to my collection this month. I really haven’t had the time to go out and physically buy any new cosmetics (Ive been needing a new mascara for ages!) so times like this its always nice to check my mail and have some cool new products to try. This months actual makeup bag was not my favorite but overall the products it contained were great and made up for it.

This tinted lip balm from the brand “Cailyn” in Apple Pink has very interesting packaging. The base pot holds a nice amount of the balm, while you are provided with a convenient lip brush attached at the top. I love the color pay off (looks more coral on my lips) and the brush is definitely needed since the color is sort of difficult to spread evenly. Nice aesthetic appeal and great product!

I dont personally use mousse on my hair (only natural products for my curls) but I will be re-gifting this since it is a reputable brand and may work for some with less dry hair.

This product leaves little to be desired just by the looks, but when I actually swatched and used it on my eye it was great! It is an eyeshadow mousse, very creamy texture and the color payoff is amazing. On my personal skin tone it looks more gold and its very shimmery. The consistency is thick (mousse like) and seems to stick and have a long wear.

This sample size skin exfoliant is awesome! It smells very tropical and the micro beads really feel like they are deep cleaning my skin. I don’t know if over time it will improve the overall texture or quality. Stay tuned!

Lastly, this urban decay 24/7 black velvet eye pencil is of course a winner! Super pigmented, great for the water and tight line or even your lid since it glides on super smooth. Perfect to wear alone, or smoke out and make for a more smoldering look.

– Love Ari

Urban Safari

Posted on April 14, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Finally found an awesome utility vest! Although it is not in the original khaki finish that I wanted (still on the hunt for that) this olive tone is neutral and also pairs with everything easily. This Marshalls find is from the brand “Willow & Clay” & it features front zipper closure, two zip pockets on the chest, two cargo style pockets towards the bottom and drawstring capability on the inside to tighten from the waist for more of a flared look. I love love love the accessibility and roominess of this vest! Instead of tools, I was able to carry my phone and other personal effects securely and comfortably. You can rock this over a pair of shorts (denim or cotton blend), crop top and timberland’s as I did for a more urban appeal. One can also substitute the timb’s for combat boots or sandals and a regular tank top or three-quarter sleeve. The possibilities are endless with this number and coming in at a cool $30.00 whats not to love? The high waist beige shorts are old season forever 21, crop top is from ASOS, timberland’s are classic wheat nubuck style, the gold blue face watch is Marc Jacobs and the pom-pom socks are from ASOS. Links to items below!

Similar Vest- Here, Here & Here

Asos Crop Top

Forever 21 Shorts

Wheat Nubuck Timberlands

Similar Pom Pom Socks

Marc Jacobs Watches- Here & Here

-LOVE Ari

Spring has sprung!

Posted on April 3, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hey Everyone! Not sure if where you live you are able to experience the joys of all four seasons, but here in the big apple we have finally managed to break away from a grueling winter and are slowly but surely welcoming Spring!
My favorite part about the weather changing is of course wearing less layers of clothing, adding more pops of color into my wardrobe and wearing fun and fresh makeup. I created a bright look to go along with Ari’s Spring Duo outfit.

Main products I used.

First I mixed the Loreal lumi foundation with the Revlon illuminizer in order for my face to be nice and dewy. Second I applied the Loreal magic lumi concealer/highlight pen (using the beauty blender for both). Third I used the entire Physicians Formula eyeshadow palette (on the right) so the colors would appear multi dimensional. Fourth I lined my bottom lash line with the Jordana mint eyeliner and smudged it out with a teal color in the BH cosmetics 60’s palette (not pictured, find link below). Lastly to give my self a sun-kissed glow I dabbed Sonia Kashuk’s bare illuminating bronzer to the area where I would normally place my highlight (above cheek bone). I finished off this look with Loreal’s voluminous mascara and a nude lip.

I also changed my lip color to a fun pink shade adding vibrancy to my already bright eyes

And there you have it everyone!
* Below are links to the products I’ve used.

‘Till next time,
-Gwen

Lumi Foundation
Skinlights Illuminator
Lumi Highlighter
Peachy glow Eyeshadow
Natural nudes
Bare Illuminating Bronzer
Mint eyeliner
Eyes on the 60’s palette

Duo Spring Looks

Posted on April 2, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Spring is upon us and although the temperatures may vary considerably depending on your location, the following are two looks based off staple classic spring pieces and trends. I bought this crop top from TJMAXX and I instantly fell in love with the scallop detailing and fresh mint color (also available in navy, blue and coral). It also features full button closure in the back. I paired my new find first with old season taupe forever 21 pants and floral chunky heels (also forever 21). The combination of neutrals and florals with a pop of color also inspired a more flirty look featuring these old season forever 21 floral shorts and charlotte russe nude pumps. Both looks are appropriate for warmer weather and the different patterns are kept to a minimal keeping the focus on the lovely top. Links to items below! Also stay tuned for my sisters post on a fresh spring face look!

– ❤ ARi

TJMAXX Scalloped Top

Similar Floral Shorts- Here, Here & Here

High Waisted Trousers

Similar Taupe Pumps

Similar Floral Pumps

March Ipsy Glam Bag Review

Posted on March 19, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Its March Ipsy Glam Bag time! I am glad to say they are continuously getting better with the products and I am happy that every month I get to indulge in some new products I may not have tried before. If you are not familiar with Ipsy and their monthly subscription program check out my previous post and initial review on my very first bag. This month features a special makeup bag with a funky print from Klari Reis.

This cute trio palette from Nyx is called “Love in Rio” and features the perfect combination for a dark night-time smokey eye. They are all shimmery and feature a base medium color, highlight and black for depth.

This bare minerals lipstick could not be any cuter! Its mini size makes it perfect to throw in any bag but yet features enough of the product to get its worth. Featured in “Get Ready” this color is perfect for everyday use and its creamy texture feels great and moisturizing on the lips.

This pixi “flawless beauty primer” is supposed to even your skin tone and add a youthful glow. I tried it on my face and I didn’t see much difference except the shimmer. It didn’t work well with my skin tone but might look better on someone with fair skin or used sparingly for a touch of highlight.

Lastly this liner was an unexpected little surprise. From the brand Chella this eyeliner pen is in “Indigo Blue” and features a stiff felt tip. The end is perfect for precise lines, and the dark blue is a nice break from the usual black. It is long-lasting and doesnt drag or fade.

Klari Reis Print Makeup Bag, check out more on Klariart.com

Love

Ari

Festival Gear

Posted on March 13, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The time has come for the ever popular music festivals and throngs of hippies, rockers and the occasional groupies to emerge. Although I havent actually ever attended an event (thats my bad) I love the effervescent style that come with … Continue reading →

Midi Skirts

Posted on March 5, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Spring is right around the corner and I am already looking for my must have pieces, one of them being the midi skirt which I have become utterly obsessed with! I love the versatility of it, one minute you can be casual by pairing it with flats or sandals and the next you can have a night out on the town with a pair of booties, strappy heels or wedges. They come in a variety of colors, patterns and lengths making them wearable for all shapes and sizes. I personally prefer the more flared out style (A line) as opposed to the tapered kind. Here are a few of my favorites:

I was able to get my hands on a black and white striped midi from Asos and I am just dying for the warmer weather to return to the big apple.

Below are some links as to where you can find a cute midi to suit your style (both plus and regular sizes).
Asos skirts (curve) Here Here Regular: Here Here
Simplybe: Here Here
Modcloth: Here Here

Etsy also has some really cute ones just type in “midi skirt” in the search box.

Not so patiently waiting for spring…
-Gwen

Pewter Power OOTD

Posted on February 24, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

These target pumps finally got to see the light of day as I’ve had them in my closet for some time. I got them on clearance for the low low price of $8.98! I mean can we say bargain people? In trying to incorporate more pieces in my wardrobe that can work for both my day job as well as everyday life, these snake-skin pewter pumps can be paired with an array of looks for both since they are closed toe and have a relatively low heel. For a casual weekend I went with a black button up (old season forever 21), white ann taylor shorts,my Kate Spade nude quilted bag and my hair straight for a sleek vibe. These lovelies are from the Sam & Libby Collection and are still available online and perhaps for cheaper at a target near you! They also come in black and nude for a more classic take on the look. Links below

Ann Taylor “City Shorts”
Sam & Libby “Dominique” Pointed Toe Pumps in Pewter
Similar Silky Button Ups- Here, Here & Here

February Ipsy Glam Bag Review

Posted on February 21, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

The time has come again for my monthly Ipsy Glam Bag, this is my second one ever and I must say I am much more pleased with this one than my January edition. This time around it included more full sized items and actual products that I love and will use often. First things first is the constant incorporation of a new makeup bag, plain pink with white trim and I love it! This one will probably be re-gifted as well or used for traveling purposes. I received lashes from jcatbeauty, a body butter from pacifica, zoya nail polish, pop beauty lip gloss and a shadow tint from ‘tini beauty. Check out my pics and reviews below and also the Links at the bottom for products. Enjoy!

J.Cat Beauty “EL 20”
Lashes + Glue
These are very thick but still very soft to the touch, I may cut them in half to use as accent lashes instead of a full glam look. I usually prefer a slimmer band but nonetheless these are still great lashes.

Pop Beauty -“Fuchsia Freesia”
This mini gloss is perfect to throw in your bag and your’e out the door! The sheer tint is great over another color to mix or alone by itself for a natural flushed pink pout. Although I did not see the advertised “plumping” effects I did feel the moisture from the avocado and jojoba oils used in said product. I love it!

Pacifica Body Butter- “Hawaiian Ruby Guava”
This body butter is super moisturizing and smells like heaven on earth! Like all pacifica products it is 100% vegan and cruelty free. This isn’t for someone afraid of a strong scent you will be smelling like a tropical dream for the entire day!

‘Tini Beauty-Eyeshadow Tint “Spiced Rum”
I have never heard of this line until now and they offer an array of nail products, eyes and lips as well. This eyeshadow tint is creamy, blends well and can be used as a base or by itself for a subtle look (on my skin tone). The packaging on the site is very cute with all of the products sporting an alcohol related theme i.e., “dry gin top coat”. Very cool concept!

Zoya- “Odette”
This pretty purple is perfect for an everyday mani. It was a nice consistency and one coat is good enough for a nice finish. Ive always liked Zoya polishes and Im glad to add this to my collection!

-Love,
Ari

Pacifica “Hawaiian Ruby Guava” Body Butter
Zoya “Odette” Nail Polish
‘Tiny Beauty “Spiced Rum” Eyeshadow Tint
J. Cat Beauy Eyelashes
Pop Beauty “Fuchsia Freesia” Lip Gloss

Matching Sets Galore

Posted on February 18, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I am obsessed with matching sets and acquiring as many as I can for the upcoming warmer season. Not only are they incredibly stylish and provide an instant cohesive look, they are so easy to throw on and run out the door! Just find your pair and you’re ready to go. I usually go with minimal jewelry if the set has a busy pattern but play it up a little more if we are working with solids and textures. Check out my previous monochromatic take on this look and below are some links to ones I’m currently lusting after. Shorts, skirts, pants, blazers, crops tops, monochromatic or patterned the possibilities are endless! Click on the photos for links.