“Primarni” shoe palooza!

Posted on May 30, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

I’m sure you all know by now that I am obsessed with Primark, or should I say “Primarni” (Londoners combine Armani and Primark giving the indication of just how un-designery the store is). I’m not one who fusses over labels, especially when it comes to buying seasonal trendy pieces, which is why Primark is my go to!

During one of my recent trips I noticed that they have a “wide fit” shoe section which made me jump for joy! I often have issues finding shoes that fit the width of my feet (I basically have flinestone feet, no judgement please). Now I’m not sure these shoes will last all an eternity but for the low price tag they are perfect for a season or two. Here’s a closer look at the three pairs I picked up…

These black ones will be perfect for a night out (I’m not a huge fan of 5 inch heels) or pair them with a cute midi skirt, at only £12.99 you can’t go wrong!

I think these tan ones are my favorite! These “tenners” (£10) feel incredibly comfortable and are just so easy to throw on with pretty much anything!

These baby pink flat sandals are absolutely adorable! They too are a pair you can wear with jeans, skirts and shorts! These babies were only £7.99!

As I mentioned before these might not be an investment for your collection but hey for some fun pairs of shoes to strut around in during the summer time I think they’re worth it!

(I would link these for you but Primark does not have a shopping option online, head out to your nearest one!)

Till my next shopping adventures!

xx, Gwen

Time for another Giveaway!!!

Posted on May 27, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Here we are with yet again another milestone! We now have 300 followers and counting! Super exciting! To those who are new to our blog we host mini giveaways every so often to show our appreciation to you all who support us.

On with the fun part (the actual prize). One lucky winner will receive some of Gwen’s current favorites at the moment. A deluxe sample of Liz Earlie’s cleanse and polish hot cloth face cleanser along with a mini sized Soap and Glory hand lotion and body scrub. I have been absolutely loving these three items and I am hoping you will too!

Now here’s how to enter:

Comment on the photo posted on our Instagram (@itsapplesandorangesblog) stating where you live, your must have skin/body care item and why you would like to win this prize. This will ensure entry in the giveaway, which will be open for 5 days. We will then choose the winner through a raffle generator which will be announced on Instagram Monday June 1st!

Our giveaways have normally been held in the U.S, but since I (Gwen) am in the U.K we figured we would open it up to anyone living in Europe this time. (Sorry to my American babes we need to give other countries a turn)

What are you waiting for? Get to commenting!

xx Gwen

New product alert: Covergirl Review

Posted on May 19, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hi there lovelies! Fun news: Covergirl was gracious enough to contact us and mail out two new products that are just about to launch! Super exciting right? One of my favorites from Covergirl is the Lashblast Fusion Mascara, makes them really pop! Naturally I was elated when we were sent this package with their new mascara and eyeliner. I’ll be demonstrating some before and after photos and of course per usual give you my honest opinion on these products. Let’s begin!

The mascara is called the “super sizer” and it claims to build up to 400% more corner to corner volume. The applicator brush is made of rubber and it starts off thin and becomes fuller as you reach the top. There are also tiny little bristles in between the larger ones for an added grip on your lashes.

“Intensify Me” is a liquid liner but has the control of a pencil liner. The paddle shaped tip gives you two looks in one, lay it flat and it creates a thick and dramatic line turn it sideways creating a thin and elegant line.

Here are some before and after photos (now please be kind everyone I am not wearing any concealer and my under eye lines/ bags are insane)

Natural Lashes

Two coats of the super size mascara

Thin application of the intensify me eyeliner

My overall thoughts: I feel the mascara is great for lengthening as you can tell in the photo they practically touched my brows after applying two coats. The formula isn’t too wet or gloopy which I really like and my lashes also appeared darker, this is due to the smaller bristles I mentioned before. Does it volumize your lashes? I don’t think it does as much volumizing as I would like it to. I feel this had a more lengthening affect on me.

On to the liner: I really loved the concept of the paddle tip making super easy to use either side for whichever look you’re going for. The formula dries quickly leaving a satin finish. As I mentioned above I am awful at applying liquid liner but this consistency is really smooth and glides on beautifully!

Thank you again Covergirl. Such a pleasure working with you!

Signing off as

Easy, Breezy Beautiful Cover-Gwen

Américaine fille à Paris Part Deux

Posted on May 8, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

So knowing the beauty lover that I am you all know I had to stop and do some shopping whilst in Paris (not too much as my main focus was site seeing). I came across a pharmacy which displayed a bunch of sale items on the window, I figured I would surely find some goodies in there. Also Sephora was near by and I couldn’t resist (could you guys believe that I haven’t stepped foot in a sephora since December of 2014?!?!) Shocking I know! But trust me if there was one in London I would be in there every weekend. Well then let’s get on with this mini haul shall we?

Not having much time to browse in Sephora I grabbed a very much needed beauty blender and at the check out line I spotted the Sephora brand hydrating under eye mask. I am excited to pop that bad boy under these tired looking eyes of mine.

On to the pharmacy purchases, Nuxe is a parisian beauty brand started by Aliza Jabès in 1990. Her goal was to create feminine skincare which would be based on a pharmaceutical approach: nature, innovation, evaluation, accessibility and sensory experience. She has now expanded the line to skin, body, hands and foot care oh and we can’t forget the men’s range! Nuxe has won many awards for some of their staple products such as the Rêve de Miel Lip balm (which was one of the items I picked up). I am obsessed with this lip balm! My lips have never ever felt so soft. I was previously gifted the Rêve de Miel Hand and Nail Cream a few years ago and I fell in love with the scent! It is also really nourishing and hydrating as it is infused with honey and vitamin E. I loved it so much I had to pick up two! Right as I was about to check out I saw these cute little Bioderma bottles and a Klorane travel sized dry shampoo. The Bioderma micellar cleansing waters are a perfect size for travel! I grabbed the sensitive and combination/oily skin formula. I’ve heard great things about the Klorane oatmilk gentle dry shampoo but I had never come across the formula for medium to dark hair until that moment, this too is another product I cannot wait to try.

Lastly I was shopping for some cute souvenirs and came across this little Paris tray. I loved the print on it and thought it would make a perfect dish for placing the jewelry i wear on a daily basis.

I hope you all enjoyed my mini Paris haul. This trip shall too be one I will never ever forget!
take care lovelies,
xx Gwen

Ted Baker & Brandalley

Posted on April 27, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Ahh Shopping, one of my favorite ways to spend my time. I am often torn as to whether I prefer online shopping versus physically going to a store but, when I come across flash sale websites such as the one I will be sharing with you in a minute I begin to think online shopping might be a better option (unless I need to try clothes on). Brandalley is a “flash sale” site (such as Hautelook, which we have back in the U.S). These sites are known to give huge discounts on high end women, men’s and children’s products, in addition to home goods as well.

Here’s how it works: you sign up with your email, create a password and you’ll have access to the sales which normally last between four to five days. Brandalley sent me an email notifying me of their Ted Baker sale about a month ago, I quickly browsed through the accessories section finding a black zip around detachable wallet. I went on Ted Bakers website to see what the difference in prices were and boy was I surprised! I saved £40 by purchasing the wallet on Brandalley! Talk about a bargain! Here’s a closer look…

I am absolutely in love! This patent leather black and bone colored wallet is to die! It is made beautifully and the versatility factor is also something I quite like. Although I would probably never remove the zip around middle part because I truly love the look of the entire wallet but there might be some that would like to utilize it separetely giving you two wallets in one!

*This wallet is no longer available again as it is a flash sale website but make sure to sign up and receive their emails in order to find out what new items will be on sale each day!

I also want to mention that Brandalley does take a very long time to deliver (my wallet arrived in almost a month) which isn’t ideal for most people but in my opinion is worth it considering the money you’ll be saving.

xx – Gwen

Maybe she’s born with it

Posted on April 13, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Spring time is finally upon us! I am so excited to bring out some bolder and brighter lip colors now that the sun has decided to come out and play. Maybelline has launched some fun new products lately including these velvet lipstick pencils. I first purchased two colors from the Maybelline Color Drama range back when I attended London Fashion Weekend. I opted for a deep plum color and a blue toned red. I have recently added some brighter shades to my collection and thought I would share them with you all…

From top to bottom
Fab Orange: A fiery orange toned red perfect for those caliente summer nights!
Fushia Desire: An amazing blue toned hot pink shade, great with a flowy sundress!
Nude Perfection: No better name to describe this peachy beige nude shade, a good option when you’re on the go but need a hint of color on your lips

These velvet lipsticks glide on your lips just as the name suggests, super velvety! The texture is incredibly creamy and pigmentation is amazing! I do have to say they aren’t as long wearing as you would want them to be but I myself don’t mind having to re-apply every few hours or so. Also, I read a blog post stating that these could possibly be a dupe for the NARS velvet lipstick pencils (I cannot give my personal opinion on this as I do not own the NARS one) but hey for the inexpensive price tag of only £4.99 I would definitely give the Maybelline ones a go!

(To all my U.S peeps I am not sure if these are being sold back home yet, I know don’t kill me for posting things that aren’t available, I’m sure they will be soon)

What are some of your favorite bright lip shades for spring? Share down below!

xx Gwen

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

The Backpack

Posted on March 25, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Is everyone totally on board with the backpack look? It seems to be one of those trendy pieces that takes a while to grow on some people. Although I am unsure of when it became cool again to rock backpacks I am certainly digging it! A hands free way of lugging around all of your possessions without sacrificing the aesthetic of a handbag is just pure genius! I figured with all of the walking around I’ve been doing in London I needed a stylish yet easy bag to wear while perusing through markets over the weekends (My favorite thing to do). So I went over to Asos.com and saw this faux fur backpack which I fell in love with! It has easily become my new best friend! I love how roomy and easy to carry it is. The faux fur also adds a nice touch to a mostly plain drawstring backpack (or rug sack? living in London has made me question every word that comes out of my mouth). Check out this bad-boy I picked up below as well as some other low & high end options for the spring time.

xx Gwen

Winter Skin Banished!

Posted on March 17, 2015 by itsapplesandorangesblog

Hi there lovelies! So as you all know I (Gwen) have been in London for the past two and a half months and although it has been slightly warmer these days (It is a gorgeous sunny day as we speak) I still wanted to share the products that have helped calm and hydrate my skin over the winter months.

Here’s a little history on Kiehl’s : they were founded as an old world apothecary in New York City over 150 years ago! They began offering homeopathic and herbal remedies, essential oils, over-the-counter drugs, and the first Kiehl’s brand name products. Today, Kiehl’s is known for their quality skin care and hair care products and are known for mainly selecting naturally derived ingredients as well as using minimal preservatives.

The Centella Skin Calming Facial Cleanser was recommended to me due to the concerns I expressed to one of the women at the store. The issues I was having were: dry and rough patches of skin and some redness due to some problematic areas (pimples/bumps). It’s key ingredients are Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Tiger Herb which together work to soothe, comfort and heal the skin. This cleanser can be applied on wet or dry skin, using circular motions over the entire face. It is then suggested you remove product with a warm damp cloth. The Ultra Facial Cream is one of Kiehl’s iconic products loved by many and I now know why! This cream is such a light-textured moisturizer that helps to retain moisture within the skin for up to 24 hours! The key ingredients are: Antarcticine (Glycoprotein extract) and Imperata Cylindrica (Desert plant Extract) which together work to prevent dryness and create a lasting hydrating effect on skin. A little goes a long way, I apply a few pea sized dots all over my face (and neck) and again work it in circular and upward motions.

I have been using both of these products over the last two and a half months and have noticed such a difference in my skin! I no longer have dry patches and my skin feels insanely soft and hydrated. I would love to try out a few of their other products as well. Have you ever tried anything from Kiehl’s range? If so let me know which ones down below!

Till next time,

Gwen xx

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.