Colour Pop LBB Lippie

Posted on April 9, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

On my recent trip to London to visit my sister Gwen, she gifted me this awesome Colour Pop lippie! This brand is all the rage now and with good reason. The products are so pigmented, affordable, a great color range for all skin tones and they don’t test on animals! I mean could it get any better? The packaging is clean and straight forward. I wanted to share a couple of lip swatches to show the great color pay off and how cool the product really is. This rich plum wine color featured is called “LBB” named after the creator and blogger LittleBlackBoots. It is a matte finish but not drying at all and glides on easily. Below I show it “as is” and with gloss over. I also love the personal touch of the post card! This seems like such a great company and Im excited to see more from them.

I added a slightly nude gloss on top and the lighting is different in this photo. It just goes to show how versatile and pretty this color is!

LBB matte Lippie

Dior Lash Plumping Serum Review

Posted on April 3, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Voluminous, plump, and feathery are all words that come to mind when you think of fabulous lashes. Although I am a huge fan of falsies and the way they open up your eye it’s not always the easiest or fastest task to accomplish. It’s always in my interest for sake of time (since I’m always in a rush) to use products that accentuate and bring out the fullness and length in my own lashes without having to wait for glue to dry or being precise with tweezers. I picked up this Dior lash plumping serum at Sephora in hopes that it would give my lashes the boost they sometimes needed. Diorshow Maximizer acts as a base for your mascara and also a deep conditioner if applied alone at night. It is said the more you use the product it can help your lashes reach their full potential in length and density. A bit on the pricey side, this was a splurge item that is not necessary but totally worth it if you are in the market for a lash product that can stimulate growth and accentuate your natural beauty. Link below!

First I apply it to my lashes in a thin coat (it can make your lashes spidery or chunky if you apply too much).
Secondly I put on my mascara in a couple of coats as normal. I do not recommend waiting until the serum dries because it makes it ten times harder to come in with regular mascara and comb through when it’s dry. Do it while the white is still prominent and wet perhaps one eye at a time like I do.
Lastly I just go about my business as they dry to a perfect shape and length (feel free to use an eyelash curler before for extra drama).

I have not used the product long enough to notice any major differences in growth but I would probably purchase this sometime again in the future once it’s done just based on the fact that it conditions and makes for less damage to my lash and easier removal of the mascara.

Light application of serum coat. One tip -It dries from white to clear super fast! Work one eye at time.

Light application of serum coat. One tip -It dries from white to clear super fast! Work one eye at a time for best results.

XOXO, Ari

Diorshow Maximizer Lash Serum– $28.50

Primark Treasures

Posted on March 27, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

While in London I wanted to take advantage of the fact that we were in the city and were able to find time to shop around in Primark! For those that don’t know, Primark is sort of like a fast fashion trendy store similar I would say to Forever 21 but with elements inspired by higher end brands. The prices are comparable as well and I had a blast picking out some staple items for the summer. This black basic dress is a dream! It has ribbed detailing and its body con style sucks me in and makes me feel sexy without showing much (except legs of course). The olive anorak jacket is another must have. Its light weight and unlike my beloved utility vest I’ve featured before, this one has clean lines and can be worn in a more dressed up manner. With a draw string waist it adds absolutely no bulk, I just threw it on and I was out the door. I wore this outfit for an Orlando Blogger meet up event (shout out to Dash Orlando) and paired it with my Aldo lace up booties and gold cat eye sunnies (also purchased in London) for a more relaxed vibe. Links to items below!

****The wind was not cooperating with ya girl!

Aldo Lace Up Booties

Nasty Gal Double Breasted Anorak

Nasty Gal “Incognito” Olive Anorak

Missguided Black Bodycon Dress

TOP SHOP Bodycon Ribbed Dress

Love, Ari

Viva Barcelona OOTD- Giveaway

Posted on March 13, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

So as some of you may have been keeping up with, I Ari finally got some stamps on my passport! I visited my sister Gwen in London and we did some major country hopping in the short time we were reunited. I had the best time ever and now have the travel bug, bad! Our first day in Barcelona was filled with good food, amazing views and lovely weather. We did some site seeing and even ended up at the beach! It was about 45 degrees or so and winter gear was required (especially for my thin Florida blood). This look consisted of this thick quilted pink sweater dress from Zara’s end of season sale, black aldo oxfords, fleece lined leggings, pearl & gold collar necklace, bowler hat and lastly this show stopping leopard jacket! This misguided coat is so beautiful in person and surprisingly light weight. I ordered it a size UK 8 (US 4) but looking back probably would have gone for a 6 (US 2). It is supposed to be oversized and boxy (that is the look) so it still worked well. We are hosting a giveaway of this same exact coat in a size UK 8 from misguided on instagram! Their was a mixup with my shipping and I was sent two by accident so I thought why not share the wealth? If you like this look and would like to rock this coat check out our instagram to see how to enter. @itsapplesandorangesblog. Links to items below.

Missguided Kylie Faux Fur Leopard Coat
Win this coat in a size US 4 UK 8 on our instagram! Here

Black Bowler Hats, Here & Here

Sweater Dresses Here, Here & Here

Aldo Oxfords Here & Here

Love Ari

Glam Glow BrightMud Eye Treatment Review

Posted on March 1, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Glam Glow Brightmud eye treatment is the ultimate splurge and luxurious go to item when you want to feel fancy and give yourself a boost. It was always something both me and my sister wanted to try but strayed away from due to the hefty price at Sephora. At $69.00 this eye treatment is said to minimize puffiness, dark circles and fine lines while brightening and hydrating the area. What’s great is that it is for all ages, skin types, gender and requires only 3 minutes! I found it at my local marshalls for half the price and couldn’t resist the temptation to buy it and spilt it with my sister. Here are my impressions of the product. Links down below!

Pros
-Super Soft and Hydrating
-Amazing smell
-Thick consistency glides and smooth’s well (goes a long way)
-“Cooling effect”
-Left under eye soft to the touch but yet firm and “tight”
-You can take it off in 3 minutes!
Cons-
-Pricey (I was lucky to find it at Marshalls for half the price)
– I don’t know If it will work with wrinkles and fine lines since I split the box with my sister. I didn’t notice any major difference as far as lines with the ones I had.

I loved this product and give it a thumbs up for those that may suffer from dry skin to keep that sensitive area under your eyes smooth and firm. It is an awesome luxury product that one can splurge on for special occasions or events. Glam glow has various other masks and products that work wonders and are more affordable, all available a Sephora.

Love, Ari

“Hello Lover” Fur Missguided Heels

Posted on February 23, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

As best expressed by Carrie on Sex and the City their is nothing like a sexy taupe/nude sandal to elongate the leg and make anyone feel sexy. Add some delicate fur detailing and you’ve got the perfect heel to add detail and texture to any outfit. This look was put together short notice for a night out with friends. Since the temperatures were still on the chilly side I opted for a 3 quarter sleeve turtle neck tunic, sticking with the black theme I threw on some trustee short shorts to make the look more night club appropriate. It needed the extra “Ari” flare as I can’t ever go out without having some sort of statement item and I remembered I had these amazing Missguided faux fur heels that would go perfect and be just the pop I needed. I absolutely love the items on Missguided’s website but buyers be warned they do take forever to ship your item and have been known to have issues with shipping in general to the U.S. (from other reviews online). I will continue to purchase from this website in the future but keeping that in mind and not counting on items to be received quickly. Links to similar heels below!

Similar Heels Missguided & Boo Hoo

❤ -Ari

Know Yourself

Posted on February 15, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Not only is this title an ode to drakes new mixtape it also suits this outfit of the day as it’s my my staple go to look. When you know what looks good on your body and most importantly what makes you feel good then the rest is a cake walk. I always gravitate towards a shorts, heels and blazer combination. This particular look consist of a red scalloped hem playsuit I have worn a couple of times already, nude Jessica Simpson faux leather booties, thrifted grey boyfriend blazer, and my faux fur chain link clutch from Forever 21. The different textures make for an interesting visual effect and the gold accents complete the look. You can wear this to brunch all the way to a sexy date night out (hence why I love these three key pieces together). Invest in staple items like a structured blazer and good heels and the rest is up to you to play with! Links to items listed below.

Forever 21 Chain Strap Round Clutch
Similar Playsuits- Here, Here, Here & Here
Jessica Simpson Booties- Here, Here, Here, Here and Here
Similar Blazer –Here

Bellami Clip In Hair 220G Bellissima 22′ in “Mochachino Brown”

Ari….. :0)

Sephora Collection Face Mask

Posted on February 10, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Sephora never dissapoints in the skin care department and this face mask collection is no exception! These exclusive masks come in handy when you are in a bind and are compact and slim to fit anywhere. You can get the at home pampering experience on the go, or actually use it at home. Each of the 8 different types serve different purposes. From moisturizing, brightening, anti aging, soothing, energizing and anti blemish any one of your skin needs can be met by one of these awesome sheet mask. Just unfold it from its pacakaging, place on your face and after 15 minutues remove it. You can then gently massage the excess product into the skin and their is no need to rinse! Pefect for planes or long car rides (where you are not driving of course). Pictured below are the two that Ive tried. I enjoy the scent of both, and like how my face feels tighetend and supple afterwards. I am definitely going to be testing these out more extensively on my upcoming long flight to visit Gwen in London!

The best part is they are only $6.00 each! Make sure to pick one up on your next trip to Sephora.

-Ari

Beauty & Skincare (London Edition)

Posted on February 5, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Boots and Superdrug; two shops that have been screaming my name each time I walk past one. They are basically like the Duane Reade and CVS of New York. I’ve managed to pick up a few things here and there and would like to share them with you all (especially with my peeps over in the U.S, don’t be jealous guys). Here’s a closer look at my purchases (disclaimer one item is from Amazon.com)

Zoella Beauty Soak Opera (Superdrug)

This smells absolutely heavenly! If you guys don’t know who Zoella is on youtube then you need to search her right now! She is a UK based blogger/vlogger and is the most adorable thing ever! She created her own line of a few products; bath fizz, body lotion, makeup bags, body mist and this bath soak/shower cream. It’s floral scent takes you to another place and time, combined with the aloe and shea butter your skin will love you for using this.

Tangle Teaser (Boots)

I’ve had my eye on this little guy for quite some time now, but I thought the price was a bit too steep for a hair brush, that is until I used it. I have very fine hair making it super easy to become tangled, this bad boy combed out all of those knots without pulling or breaking my hair. Ultimate score! (I also had to get it because cough, cough I saw Zoella mention it in one of her recent videos, can someone say obsession?) Oh and lastly I love anything black and gold.

Bioderma (Amazon Purchase)

Now this item is something I was super excited to try as it is only sold in the UK or middle east. (I believe it will soon be sold in the U.S) This is a cleansing and makeup removing water that will gently purify your skin. I have often heard people speak of the Sensibio which is the formula for sensitive skin but I opted for the Sebium which is for oily/combination and blemished skin. So far it has done a great job at giving my skin that deep down clean feeling. What more could a girl ask for?

Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara (Boots)

I spotted this mascara in the “whats new section” and it’s description immediately caught my eye. It claims to capture and volumize each lash for show stopping eyes. The shape of the brush is also something I had never seen before, I was sold! Here’s a closer look at the wand

Tanya Burr Lashes & Gloss (Superdrug)

Here I go again talking about another one of my other favorite UK blogger/vlogger, I just can’t help myself. Again if you don’t know who Tanya Burr is you need to look her up now! She is one of the UK’s top youtubers and is adorable as well. (I am obsessed with the English accent). She too created her own line which includes makeup, lashes and a book! I picked up the “everyday flutter” lashes which give just a touch of flirtiness to the corners of your eyes. I also picked up her lipgloss in the shade “Chocolate Fondue” which is one of those your lip color but better shades.

Rimmel 60 second nail polish (or varnish as the British say) (Boots)

This bright red-orange shade is called “central love heart”. This is my favorite shade of red to paint my nails with, it is just so fun and vibrant! Perfect for Valentines day!

That is all my friends! Hope you enjoyed it!

For anyone back home (United States) looking to purchase any of these items you can go to:

Boots.com , superdrug.com , or you can always find international items on Amazon.com

-Gwen

Ole Henriksen-3 Little Wonders Mini Collection Review

Posted on January 29, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

So we are only getting older every day and this unfortunate fact is not lost on me. It seems like as the days go by I am reminded that youth is fleeting and to take advantage of it while I can. This year I turn 26 and I figured it’s time I take a cue from my sister and start taking better care of my skin. I took advantage of insane sales that Sephora was having during the holiday season and bought this trio of products in hopes to review them and perhaps make them apart of my skin routine. Ole Henriksen is a bit pricey but gets amazing reviews so this mini “3 Little Wonders Collection” was the perfect way to try some of the top products without fully committing to the full priced options. It includes the truth serum collagen booster, “sheer transformation” day time moisturizer and invigorating night treatment. Below are my pros and cons and a link to the item!

Truth Serum Collagen Booster– Daytime Anti-Aging Serum with Vitamin C said to brighten, firm, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and prevent future damage.

It is incredibly light weight and glides easy over your face. It does not provide any moisture but does have a pleasant smell and my face feels a little tight right after putting it on (I’m assuming this is where the “firming” comes into play.

Follow up your serum with the Sheer Transformation meant to diminish dark spots, sun damage and protect from free radicals.

This lotion is super lightweight and takes away the tight feeling from the serum. It is oil free and has not made me have acne break outs with 1 month of use so far.

Lastly the Night treatment is just that, solely for use at night seeing as its meant to resurface your skin to smooth texture, fine lines, wrinkles and even the look of big pores.

In using this product I did notice slight peeling of my skin especially in sensitive areas like my nose and chin. This is not necessarily a bad thing seeing as it’s meant to essentially take off the dead layers on the surface. Trust me it is not comparable to getting a chemical peel or flaking like a snake, it was very slight and easily fixed with some extra moisturizer.

Overall I am extremely happy with my results so far and a little goes a long way so I have some time before needing to replace with full size. Don’t forget your neck or décolletage so that you can have smooth youthful radiant skin there as well. Sometimes I even spread the remaining on the back of my hands (they always can show true age).

Forever young, – Ari

3 Little Wonders Mini Collection