Category Archives: I love these products!

Neutral Zone 

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With Spring time being just around the corner I decided to create a soft nude look on the eyes and lips. The warmer it gets the less I want to wear a full face. It’s something about light colors that suit everyone’s skin tone, especially when the suns out. Below you’ll see my creation as well as the products I’ve used.

     

Products used:

Ex1 foundation (shade 300)

Dr. Brandt Pores no more Primer

L’Oreal Brow Stylist Definer (brunette)

L.A Girl Orange Corrector (for under eye area)

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer (NW35 for dark spots)

Maybelline Fit Me concealer (shade 25 Medium)

MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Bronzer (Dark Tan)

Charlotte Tilbury Blusher (shade Ecstacy)

Becca & Jaclyn Hill Highlighter (champagne pop)

Stila Eyes of the window eyeshadow palette (mind)

Rimmel Super Curler Mascara

Clinique Skinny Stick eyeliner

L’Oreal Super Slim felt eyeliner

NYX lip liner (shade ever)

Nars Audacious lipstick (shade Brigitte)

Gerard Cosmetics Gloss (nude)

Hope you all enjoyed this almost spring look. Till next time.

xx, Gwen

Photo & Magazine DIY Display

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Hey there lovelies! I thought I’d switch things up a bit by showing you all my latest project. I moved in with my best friend a few months ago and wanted a fresh look for my new bedroom. Pinterest became my best friend as I hunted for a way to display my photos from my time away in Europe and some of my favorite books and magazines. Here’s what I came up with…        

For the magazine & book display I purchased the Ribba series picture ledge from Ikea but, I believe they are no longer sold online. This is the closest match I found Mosslanda Ledge. For this you will need a level (to make sure the shelf is straight) and a power drill. This ledge is so multifunctional, you can display anything you’d like on these. I paid $14.99 for this long one but the one they have available online is only $9.99!

For the hanging photo display I purchased nylon invisible hanging wire along with the cup hooks at my local hardware store (which you can also do) or take a trip to your local Home Depot or Lowes. Invisible Wire, Hooks. Now for these hooks all you need is a strong arm (I had my roommates uncle help me ensure they were pressed tightly against the wall) you then tie the nylon wire to each end, not giving it too much slack and ta-da you’ve got yourself an easy and cool way to hang photographs. Add some cute wooden “clothes” pins and you’re good to go! 

I hope you all enjoyed this mini DIY project. Have any of you worked on something fun lately? Please share down below!

xx, Gwen

Hot new shit (drugstore edition) 

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The drugstore is a bad place to be when you’re just “looking” around. During my trips to Target, CVS and Ulta, I spotted a few new products. My eyes would literally light up every time I saw the word “new”. Here are the items uI brought home with me… 

From left to right: Garnier SkinActive Micellar cleansing water, Essie Gel Setter top coat, Maybelline Master Precise Skinny eyeliner, Biore Pore Penetrating Charcoal bar, Pixi Glow Tonic exfoliating toner, Maybelline Lash Sensational luscious mascara, L’Oreal Brow Stylist definer and Real Technique Miracle Complexion sponges. 

    

So far I have only tried the Garnier Miceller water, the L’oreal brow stylist definer and the Essie gel setter. The Garnier Micellar water is gentle and removes all of my makeup without any stinging or burning, also it does not leave any residue. I don’t have a firm opinion on the L’Oreal brow stylist yet (I need to apply it with a full face of makeup. And lastly the Essie Gel Setter is a no light gel like top coat. I absolutely love it! My nail color has lasted for about 5 days without chipping!

I would be more than happy to review any of the other products as well, any one in particular you guys would like to know more about? Let me know in the comment box down below.

I’m really excited to try the rest of these products (especially the real techniques sponges) and cannot wait to report back to you all! 

Find these items at Drugstore.com, Ulta.com, Walmart.com, CVS.com, Target.com along with any other drugstore in your area.

xx, Gwen 

Marc Jacobs 

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The lovely team at Influenster* sent us the new Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara and I couldn’t be more excited to try it, I’m all about voluminous lashes!  Let’s get the logistics out of the way, it retails for $26 and is sold at Sephora, department stores and all major Marc Jacobs counters. The packaging is an all black multidimensional, lightweight tube. The formula is more on the dry side (which I prefer in a mascara) the consistency isn’t too thick or goopy making it a breeze to apply. The wand has many various sized bristles, perfect for getting in between your lashes. Here’s a closer look…

 

  

Without Mascara

With Mascara   

Although I loved the length it gave me, I feel it could have been more voluminous. I did only apply one coat (perhaps I needed to apply another one) but I normally don’t apply several coats of Mascara because I feel it clumps up. It did flake a little once I rubbed my eyes at the end of the day, but overall it’s a good formula and I would recommend it.

Here I am running errands wearing the mascara. So far so good!

*Review is my personal and honest opinion.

Mascara Link

Till the next time lovelies!

xx, Gwen

Target Find

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Just last week I was in sunny Florida spending time with my family and enjoying the warm sun, boy am I regretting coming back to New York. I thought I would lift everyone’s spirits (including mine) by posting some ootd photos Ari shot of me. We literally parked at a dirt road along the highway for these. Fun times…

 

  
  
This dress was an awesome bargain find in Target, at only $6.98 I had to grab it! I noticed the price before looking at the size tag, crossed my fingers and hoped it would fit me and sure enough it did! The universe was totally on my side that day. I paired it with my Primark low heel sandals and my Kate Spade small clutch.

I will also mention that the lipstick I am wearing is the shade “Brooklyn” from Ofra Cosmetics. I am obsessed with their formula and want to now buy every single color!

The dress is no longer in stock but I did find a few similar ones : Here, Here, Here

A goal for this year is to post more ootd, and to inspire women of all sizes that owning your look is what’s most important!

Till next time lovelies,

xx, Gwen

2015 Favorites 

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Happy new year everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating, now let’s get ready to tackle 2016! I wanted to quickly mention some of my favorite products of 2015 before we become bombarded with all of the 2016 releases. Here goes…

  

From top left to bottom right

Makeup Forever Ultra HD – Foundation (shade 128) *Disclaimer I’ve only been using this foundation for a month but I already love it! It has an amazing satin/natural finish to it. 

Chloe eau de parfum – This is my third bottle, need I say more? It’s a bit floral with a clean undertone. You must smell it! 

Schwarzkopf Biotin Volume and Texture Powder – This bad boy works miracles on my limp hair, just sprinkle some on my roots and boom instant fullness! 

Charlotte Tilbury Swish and Pop Blusher (shade ecstasy) – I will forever love this blush because one I bought it in London and two because it is such a gorgeous peachy/pink shade which is super easy to blend. 

L.A Girl Pro Concealer (orange correcting shade) *disclaimer I also just purchased this about 2 months ago but it has changed my face routine dramatically! I use this to correct my under eye darkness and any other dark pigmentation around my face before applying foundation. It’s a definite must have in my opinion!  

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution (shade red carpet red)- This lipstick is such a gorgeous shade of red (think Marilyn Monroe). The non drying matte formula is the selling point for this lipstick, oh and we can’t forget about the rose gold packaging! 

Mario Badescu Aloe and Rosewater Facial Spray – This spray is amazing, it instantly refreshes your face during the summer time and helps hydrate your face during the winter time. Also a staple when flying! 

Qtica Nail Growth Stimulator – I am a nail biter (mostly when I’m nervous or stressed) so I go through periods where my nails look that of a 8 year old boy but, this product has helped my nails growth tremendously. 

Smashbox Photofinish Pore Minimizing Primer – I discovered this primer in the beginning of the year and it has replaced my Benefit Porefessional. I feel that it really smooths out my pores around my nose and cheeks and doesn’t leave a residue. 

Maybelline FIT Me Concealer – I was actually surprised at how much I loved this concealer. It’s a bit more fluid than what I would normally go for so for that I like it on lighter makeup days. The coverage is great and the price is even better! ($8.99). 

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion – I was in need of a new moisturizer and my roommate recommended this one to me. I really love the consistency (not too thick not too watery). It also has SPF 30, a great two in one! 

Those were all of my favorites during 2015! What were some of yours? 

We are looking forward to sharing more content, giveaways and interacting with you all this year. Here’s to a great 2016!

xx, Gwen 

Speaking of gifts…

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We are super excited to host another giveaway! We’re about six followers shy of 350 subscribers and would love to reward one of you lovelies for being loyal to us. We of course will continue to have giveaways in the new year and are in the works of revamping our logo (stay tuned for that), but none the less our content and love for all things fashion & beauty will always be our main focus.

Shall I move along to the good part? Here’s what one lucky winner (chosen at random) will receive.

 A pair of sunnies from sunglassesspot.com

A Sephora brand eyeshadow palette

A Ciaté London mini nail polish kit

Rules: Repost photo above on Instagram using the hashtag #itsapplesandorangesblog

Also make sure to follow our blog (through email or WordPress). You’ll be notified when there’s a new post as well as any upcoming giveaways!

*We will announce the winner on December 26th! 

It’s that simple! Repost away!

Good Luck everyone!

Love, Gwen & Ari

Gift Guide-Fashion + Accessories

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The holiday season is among us and what better way to show someone you care than to surprise them with something special. I’ve put together a very short list of some go to items this season that will be sure to put a smile on that special someone’s face. Some of the items can be unisex and can be mixed and matched.

Cashmere Scarf– Can be Unisex (lets face it the average guy will never go out and buy themselves a scarf)and is utilitarian as well.
Midi rings– These babies are comparable to bobby pins and hair ties (they seem to go missing randomly) so always keeping a fresh pair around to jazz up any outfit is key.
Funky socks– Because, they’re fun! (Unisex)
Fur pom-pom anything– Whether you go the key chain route or incorporate the trend in your hair tie this look is everywhere this season and can spice up a purse or overall aesthetic.
Flannel– Another unisex option that everyone can get on board with. It can be worn as is, thrown around your waist and goes with almost any and every look known to man.
String Lights/ Marquee Lights– For the inner hipster inside all of us these interesting lights are affordable and can liven any space up.

Links down below!! XOXO- ARI

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“A Bloggers Thanksgiving”- Top 6 Fashion Items We Are Thankful For

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As bloggers we are both inclined to always try new trends or styles in order to consistently stay abreast of all the latest and greatest. Although we love shopping and reviewing new things, there are those constant tried and true items that will always be staples in our lives and really stand the test of time. Here are our top 6 fashion items we are grateful exist in this world that make us look and feel our very best.

Top 6 things Ari & Gwen are grateful for this year-

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  1. Peplums/A-lines cuts- Neither of us were born with any God given curves on the bottom half and so we fake it till we make it! Peplums do a great job at hiding the tummy while giving the illusion of curves on the sides. A-lines cinch you in at your smallest point and then give the illusion of hips with the free flowing nature of the cut.
  2. V-Neck- Whether it be in the form of a dress or top V-necks work great to elongate the neck and show off our greatest assets. Having a bigger chest sometimes makes it hard to rock a standard rounded collar because it may mess with your proportions.
  3. Booties- As we both get older booties are taking the spotlight for most settings. Whether they are suede, leather or have some cut-outs they can be so versatile and much more comfortable than the alternative while still offering a polished look.
  4. Nude Sandals/Heels- For when it is absolutely required to rock a heel you cannot go wrong with a nude staple sandal. We love a matte leather finish that can transition from the work place to night with ease. Can we also say legs for days?
  5. Shapewear- We could write an entire blog post about this (we probably will sometime in the future). Not only does it suck you in all the wrong places, it also helps lift and accentuate the parts you are happy with. Not to mention it helps conceal your body with any sheer clothing and avoid that dreaded belly button outline we all hate.
  6. Denim/Leather/Anorak Jacket- You guys get the hint, basically any jacket will do! Not only do they keep you warmer in cooler temps but they also complete a look in a way that no other item can. Drape it over your shoulders, tie it around your waist or keep it on your body the old fashioned way, a jacket can dramatically change the entire look of an outfit from boring to fabulous.

All in all we are thankful for one another and our families and can’t wait to reunite for Christmas. Our blog is going in a great direction and we cannot wait to see what the future will bring.

Love Ari & Gwen

Fall Favorites 

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We are now about midway through Fall (although it hasn’t felt like it) and I have been loving some old favorites as well as discovering new ones. Here’s what the last month and a half has been like for me…

  

The crisp feeling in the air is such a nice feeling, especially after a hot summer. A nice way to warm up and feel cozy is by lighting candles. Yes everyone is obsessed with the Bath and Bodyworks candles and for good reason. My Fall favorites would be Sweater Weather and Mahogany Teakwood. They both have a very refreshing & clean aroma, I especially love Mahogany Teakwood because it has a sort of manly undertone to it.

Speaking of scents, my absolute favorite perfume would be Chloe, it too has clean and crisp notes with a hint of cedarwood giving it that musky undertone I adore!

Another thing I adore for the Fall is swapping my lipstick and nail polish shades to suit the weather. I normally choose browns, mauves, berries and burgundy tones. Lolita by Kat Von D has been my go to color! My second favorite would be Melted Berry by Too Faced. I don’t often paint my nails myself with dark colors because I make a huge mess but I still purchase whichever color I like and bring it to the nail salon with me. I believe I’ve already done my nails about 4 times with this gorgeous rich brown called Branch Out by Sally Hansen. 

On to the last two items which have been essential for my combination skin. Mario Badescu’s rose water spray gives my skin life! Thanks to my roommates suggestion, I bought the CeraVe face lotion which has a little bit of a thicker consistency for those windy/dry days.

There you have it my friends! What are some of your Fall favorites? Let me know down below!

Keep cozy,

xx, Gwen