Breakups to Makeup/Smashbox

Posted on October 13, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

This past weekend I attended an event hosted by Sephora at the Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City. Smashbox cosmetics was there doing makeovers and demonstrating new products. I of course jumped on the opportunity to get my makeup done by one of their artists. I learned some new tricks on how to create a cat eyeliner (God knows I needed the help).
The creator of “Breakups to Makeup“, Angelique Velez was also there. Angelique launched Breakups to Makeup in June of 2013 with the intent to spread this message: “makeup serves as a creative outlet to those applying and livens the spirit of those wearing it” I couldn’t agree more!. Angelique has quickly made a name for herself with a bunch of fun merchandise. She is well-known for her catchy slogans such as “loved raised me lipstick saved me”, “I would cry but my mascara is designer” and so many more! Angelique was gracious enough to let me ask her a few questions about her brand:

Gwen: What inspired you to come up with “Breakups to makeup”?
Angelique: A few years back I went through a terrible breakup, but the only thing that enabled me to get out of bed was makeup. I have been a makeup artist for many years and I found comfort in knowing that I was getting out of bed to not only make myself happy by putting on my favorite lipstick but also because what I did made others happy as well.
Gwen:How do you come up with your slogans?
Angelique: My slogans come to me through day to day life experiences, for example one day I was getting my nails done at the salon and I thought wow I am totally useless right now (my nails were of course wet) which was when I came up with the “I’m only helpless when my nails are drying” slogan. I also like to carry a journal with me to jot down whatever pops into my head.
Gwen: What advice would you give to someone who is an up and coming artist/entrepreneur?
Angelique: I would say to listen to your heart and keep going. Not everyone is going to understand your path but its ok don’t listen to them, you’ll find your way.

The lovely Angelique and I

Here are the goodies I picked up from her collection as well as some Smashbox goodies.

Angelique will be at the Orlando Makeup show next. Go check her out if you’re in the area, you know Ari will definitely be there!

Quick Links: Breakups to Makeup
About
Merchandise
Products on Etsy

-Gwen

“Fall” into the 90’s- Clueless Edition

Posted on October 9, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

What could be better then the weather cooling down? I say continuing to rock those summer 90’s trends straight into the colder months, saving time and money in your pocket! I decided to start a mini 3 part post series called “Fall into the 90’s” so I could get the most bang for my buck and wear some of my favorite pieces from the ongoing 90’s trend straight into the fall season. Here is my attempt at recreating an iconic look from the movie “Clueless” starring Alicia Silverstone as the fashionable Cher Horowitz. This classic cult film inspired me to get creative and reuse some old items I had in the back of my closet. The v-neck long-sleeved top is a basic from target, while the jumpsuit is from the brand “Max Rave” purchased ages ago. For this look the accessories say it all, the knee-high socks with frill detail, sun flower choker, combat boots, and clear clutch all give the look the 90’s aesthetic without being to gimmicky or overpowering. Links to similar items below!

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Awesome video by “Worn Fashion Journal”

Similar Overall Dresses- Here, Here & Here

Sunflower Choker

Similar Socks- Here & Here

Boots- Here & Here

As if!

-Ari

Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush

Posted on October 6, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I don’t know about everyone else but I don’t have the easiest time pulling off a cat eye or any other complex liner especially when it comes to using gel. You have to have the right tools in order to get that perfect shape. Ive used bent/angled eyeliner brushes in the past and the bristles would always fray and never gave me the precision I was looking for. In comes this awesome silicone brush from Real Techniques. Featured here on the blog before, this brand is affordable and high quality. I picked this bad boy up at ULTA and immediately noticed how much easier it was to apply my gel liner. Cleaning it is a also a breeze and it eliminates any chances of fraying or shedding like a brush would. I can pick up the right amount and it glides smoothly over my skin without me tugging or stretching it taut like I used to (which by the way is no bueno, who wants premature wrinkles?!). I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to incorporate gel liner but are having trouble applying it precisely.

Quick look at my cat- eye liner! Achieved with this awesome tool!

-Ari

Lawrence Zarian + Mall at Millenia Fashion Week

Posted on September 28, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I was lucky enough to check out the Mall at Millenia’s Fashion Week public showcase of fall trends. The show was styled by the awesome local Melanie Pace whom I’ve featured on the blog before. Also included in the experience … Continue reading →

How to: College Football Makeup

Posted on September 26, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Graduating in 2012 from the University of Central Florida was one of the proudest moments of my life. In looking back at my college experience, I wish I had participated in more “college” activities when I had the chance. In comes football games and tail-gating! I attended my first game ever this past weekend and like most people could not wait to don my colors and rep my school (even though Im an alum now). I decided to go all out and finally break out this beautiful gold pigment from NYX I had been waiting to use for some time. It is so sparkly and intense and can easily liven up any look.The “bondage weightless makeup adhesive” from Urban Decay was the perfect choice & worked so well at holding the pigment. No heavy feeling on my lid as I yelled and cheered throughout the evening!

I first prepped my eye for all that color with NYX skin tone primer all over the eyelid, crease, & brow bone
I then used a yellow shimmer shadow from the NYX Mysterious Brown Eyes Color palette all over the eyelid (as another base to make the yellow glitter pop even more)
I then used Urban Decay Eyeshadows “Tyranny” as a transitional color in the crease & “Vengeance” in the crease up to the brow bone for more depth. Remember to blend!
I applied Urban Decay Bondage Adhesive to my eyelid (straight from the tube) and covered the entirety of the yellow.
With a clean flat shader brush, I patted the NYX glitter pigment on the entire lid. I kept adding more and building the intensity until I reached my desired effect.
Optional-Finally, I used black gel liner to create a cat eye and finished off with loads of mascara!

Make sure to clean up afterwards thoroughly seeing as I had a lot of fall out (not after once it was already dried on my eye) I am just messy during my process! These steps can be replicated with any of the variety of pigments depending on your team colors (blue or purple would look spectacular). Links below!

urban decay, nyx, glitter, pigment, cat eye, glitter glue, ucf, college, football, makeup

***On my lips I am wearing Gerard Cosmetics in the color “1995”, also both my Anastasia contour kit and Loreal telescopic mascara were used.

Nyx Pigment

Urban Decay Pulp Fiction

Nyx Primer

Go UCF Knights!

-Ari

Fall into Fall

Posted on September 24, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Happy Fall everyone! Although I am a bit sad the summer is officially gone I am also very excited for my new Fall wardrobe! I’ve already done some shopping and cannot wait to post a few more outfit ideas for all you lovelies. Well then, shall we get started?

The weather can still be somewhat unpredictable in the beginning of Fall which is why layering or wearing pieces that have a bit of a thicker material will come in handy. In the outfit below I paired a gray and black hummingbird sweatshirt from H&M with a textured skater skirt from Forever 21. Here’s a closer look…

I also wanted to add a bit of fun to this outfit by adding a floppy brim round top hat and my black fringe handbag. Adding accessories with various textures can make all of the difference on a once seemingly simple outfit.

Here are quick links to where you can find these exact or similar pieces.

Sweatshirt
Skater Skirt
Fringe Bag
Floppy hat

Special thank you to my hopefully new-found photographer, my best friend Emily.

Stay tuned for more outfit of the day looks!

-Gwen

Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit For Her

Posted on September 20, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

How freaking cute is this Pinch Provisions minimergency kit! I saw this baby at the Sephora check out line (don’t they always get you) and knew I needed it in my life the moment I laid eyes on it. The small packaging is genius and they offered a variety of colors to choose from besides the leopard print. I am someone who likes to be prepared for any catastrophic events that can occur (especially having to do with my wardrobe). It often happens that when I need that safety pin, or tide stick for example…I never have it! This little bag keeps everything you could possibly need in one convenient location that is easy to throw in any purse. 17 items for any and all malfunctions that could possibly occur, from tape, breath refreshments, bandaids,wipes and earring backs you are pretty set for any emergency you may face. It even had enough space for me to add even more bandaids and also a small tiny sample AVON lipstick that could be used for lips or cheeks. I love it and feel prepared when I step out the door now. Links below!

Yes all 17 items fit perfectly in this tiny pouch! I personally added more (normal sized) bandaids and the tiny lipstick sample.

Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit For Her

-Ari

eShakti Custom Dress +Coupon Code!

Posted on September 14, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

We were contacted a couple of weeks ago from an online women’s clothing company named eShakti with regards to reviewing the site and process of clothing customization. We of course jumped at the opportunity, after all this site boast to cater to women from sizes 0-36W and besides your ready to order items it will customize anything from the site whether its size or style.The following is my impression of my process.

-First things first- Customer service is on point! They were so gracious and extremely helpful in the customizing aspect (since it was my first time ordering from the site.)

-I loved how easy it was to send your measurements and changing aspects of the garment such as length.

– The options are beautiful, well made and well suited for many occasions.

I chose this “embellished print poplin dress” because I was in need of more work place attire and thought this could merge my love for trends and being work appropriate. It is beautiful! It fits perfectly tailored to me and although it is lined it didn’t feel heavy at all and can be worn to transition throughout the seasons. I sent my personal measurements as well as opted to make it at the knee instead below knee-length (since I am only 5’3). It worked out and the olive tone looks great with my pink Nine West heels. The a-line gives me more shape and the high empire waist creates the illusion of curves. I would definitely order from them considering you get to design your own piece from start to finish!

They were gracious enough to send us a coupon code for anyone that might be interested in customizing and purchasing something from the site. Good for 10% on any purchase and will only last until September 27, 2014 so hurry and check it out!

Use the code – applesandoranges

They have such a great selection of stuff, check it out and use our code!

-Love
Ari

My personal Pick –Dress

Similar Heels

Stay Hydrated in Style- Nasty Gal Unchained Water Bottle Holder

Posted on September 9, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

WARNING: This post might alienate some readers that aren’t into “frivolous” things a.k.a AWESOME things! I was doing my usual perusing online and came across this tailor-made for me item on NastyGal.com. Not only does this water bottle holder serve its … Continue reading →

Sephora Find- Josie Maran Argan Skincare Ritual Set

Posted on September 6, 2014 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I’ve always used the Josie Maran argan oil by itself. This product is 100% organic, chemical free and one of the best kept secrets of Moroccan women up until recent times.Loaded with Vitamin E and fatty acids it helps heal, condition and repair your skin, hair or even nails! I have been suffering from an eczema break out as of lately and decided to try this three-step line of products I found at Sephora. I loved the packaging and also the price! Typically this brand is a bit pricey but for these three convenient sizes I feel like I got a great deal at $24. Link below!

The self heating oil cleanser is applied on a dry face, then with water slowly worked up into a lather. It feels luxurious and my face was baby soft and felt like velvet when I rinsed it off (unlike other drying/stripping products). My face felt balanced and not tight.

The last product’s texture felt like a normal SPF would except its jam packed with vitamins. It protects your skin against the suns rays with SPF 47. My skin was left refreshed but I would not use it as a daily moisturizer for me in particular because my skin has extremely dry patches that need more than this light finish. Its great for when you are on the go or for a light layer of protection on top of your thicker daily face moisturizer (if you have dry patches like me).

All in all Ive noticed a huge difference in my eczema break out as well as the balance and moisture of my skin. It looks and feels healthier when I use these products as a trio.

Toodles

Ari

Josie Maran Argan Skincare Ritual Set